Quitting Incivek Treatment Early - A Warning

My husband's doctors were contemplating having him do only 12 weeks total of tx, as he's treatment naive, 1a CC genotype,  low starting viral load, and went UND at day 4.  BUT he's an F3.  They have been involved in a lot of research, and thought he would be an excellent candidate, but they are starting to get some results back from their patients who have completed tx.  They have 3 patients that had to quit treatment before the 24 weeks, and 2 of the 3 relapsed.  None had the CC Allele (all were CT) but the 2 that relapsed had a higher level of fibrosis.  So, it's the full 24 weeks for him, which is just fine.  Just wanted to give you even more motivation to stay the course!

[willbb]

Thanks for posting this . There have been many of us here promoting doing the full course of treatment as prescribed by the drug companies protocols to insure the best possible chance of success.
You may already be aware of the trial Vertex is currently engaged in  for naive CC alleles doing a total  regime of 12 weeks,however obviously there are no results on that yet.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Vertex-Starts-Global-Phase-3b-bw-1659934794.html?x=0&.v=1

Good luck to your hubby the rest of the way..
Will

[stormy456]

Yes, I believe that study was the reason his docs felt it might be a possibility.  They even met with the Vertex lead researcher to discuss.  Not surprisingly, he wouldn't offer a recommendation either way.  Due to husband's level of fibrosis, we're opting for the full ride.  Looking forward to leaving the Incivek behind, though.

[jules2551]

Good luck to you and your husband Stormy.  I am definitely glad you are leaving Incivek in the dust!

Best wishes

Jules

[working dog]

i wonder how long the folks that stopped tx treated for...less then 24 could be 23...i would assume more then 12 weeks....i had to stop early because of eye problems from interferon.....19+ weeks...but was cc 1a 2/2...if i could have i would go at least the 24...but we will see..two weeks to another vl...good luck to your husband.....billy

[stormy456]

Billy, the two that relapsed were not CC, the one that is clear was CC, the other two were CT.  You're probably in the clear.  Sorry if I panicked you.

[stormy456]

Also he just told me that they were Stage 3.  Doctor said if he was 2 or under he would have seriously considered.  I'm very hopeful for you.