Interferon Treatment or Not?

[Pam L.]

I have HCV with a Score 3 grade 3 Liver Biopsy.  I started the standard interferon w/riboviran treatment, ie., 3 shots a week about 2 years ago when it first came out at a VA hospital.  I was what they called a non-responder to the treatment as during the middle of the treatment my viral loads started to rise, so the treatment was stopped.

I am waiting for the pegulated interferon to be approved as I did not qualify for any clinical trials.  However, I was told by one doc at the University of Chicago, that I should be doing something, as in the old interferon now, because it helps to prevent further liver damage and scaring even if your viral load does not decrease.

Do you know if this is accurate and good advice? I am trying to decide if I should wait for this new drug or commence treatment on the old?

Thanks