Aa
New treatment
I'd like to know more about the coming new treatment. I've heard that it takes 24 weeks not 48. That would be wonderful. I haven't started tx yet. I am stage 3 grade 3, and new to all this. Also, is there such a thing as an MD who is ONLY a hepatologist, Not GI with subspecialty hematology. Any help will be appreciated
Boceprevir and teleprevir are protease inhibitors, so they attack the virus at a different step and make you more likely to clear. I think 2011 is a good guess for release.
The Boceprevir trial I am in is looking at a 7 month treatment (all 3 drugs for 28 wks, with the protease inhibitor added from 4 wks. to 28 wks.). One of the qualifications of the 28 wk. treatment is to have cleared the virus by wk. 8 (that's after 4 wks. of the protease inhibitor). If you don't clear by then, you wouldn't be considered for stopping at 28 but would continue for a full 48.
The protease inhibitor trials are going pretty well, with a lot of positive responses. They do have side effects, though. Interferon destroys platelets and white blood cells, ribivirin destroys hemoglobin and the boceprevir destroys both, meaning you'd need to be monitored pretty closely for the whole time.
Another factor related to 6 month treatment (TX) is your genotype and viral load. Genotype 2 and 3 frequently clear early and can be stopped at 6 mos. Genotype 1b with low viral load can also clear early and stop at 6 months. Stopping 1b's and sometimes 1a's (less common for them to clear early) with early clearance is becoming common in Europe & Asia but is not yet common here. The more conservative your doctor is, the less likely he is to stop you early.
The Boceprevir trial I am in is looking at a 7 month treatment (all 3 drugs for 28 wks, with the protease inhibitor added from 4 wks. to 28 wks.). One of the qualifications of the 28 wk. treatment is to have cleared the virus by wk. 8 (that's after 4 wks. of the protease inhibitor). If you don't clear by then, you wouldn't be considered for stopping at 28 but would continue for a full 48.
The protease inhibitor trials are going pretty well, with a lot of positive responses. They do have side effects, though. Interferon destroys platelets and white blood cells, ribivirin destroys hemoglobin and the boceprevir destroys both, meaning you'd need to be monitored pretty closely for the whole time.
Another factor related to 6 month treatment (TX) is your genotype and viral load. Genotype 2 and 3 frequently clear early and can be stopped at 6 mos. Genotype 1b with low viral load can also clear early and stop at 6 months. Stopping 1b's and sometimes 1a's (less common for them to clear early) with early clearance is becoming common in Europe & Asia but is not yet common here. The more conservative your doctor is, the less likely he is to stop you early.
It sounds like you are speaking of the new protease inhibitors currently in trial. The two at the forfront are Boceprevir (Shering Plough) and Telaprevir (Vertex). It looks like at the earliest they will hit the market sometime in 2011 -- my guess would be late in the year. They will most probably be used in conjuction with the two current treating drugs, interferon and ribavirin. Although there is a possiblity that treatment will be reduced to 24 weeks, I don't know if that will be the standard when they first hit the market. My personal thought it I kind of doubt it.
A hepatologist is a GI with a speciality. I don't think there are heppos that are not GI's.
frijole
A hepatologist is a GI with a speciality. I don't think there are heppos that are not GI's.
frijole
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
