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[Liz822]

Hi My mum was on the old treatment for three months and did not work. Her vial load start was 8,400,000 at week 4 dropped to 400,000 and week 12 dropped to 106,000. At the hospital the doctor has told us that the new treatments will not work for her as she was a non responder on the old treatment and she has only a 5% chance of clearing the virus on the new treatment. Please help with advice??

[willbb]

The AFP level at this point would not seem that relevant  as it is  just one of the markers done to check to see if there is HCC(liver cancer) and actually the normal values are   <40. mg / L.
the level is often raised somewhat with liver disease ,however this level is not of any concern at this  juncture..
Of much more concern ,in regards to being able to best discuss treatment is the FS. If she hasN't had one lately ,possibly a chat with her doctor about another one  and then with this info. a discussion about treatment.
Also ,it would be best if she is under the care of a knowlweable doctor in treating HCV,especially with some experience with thses new meds ,being that she would be re-treating.
Will

[Liz822]

hi thanks for the reply, not sure what her fibroscan was but i know she has liver scaring and that her afp level is 12 which they have said it is high.  

[willbb]

Hi Liz...Actually your mom would be considered a Null-Responder on the old treatment   (which is less than a 2 log drop by week 12) She if fact had a 1.9.log drop
The doctor it seems may be a little mixed up or possibly you misinterpreted  him/her
If she was to repeat the old treatment then yes ..only a 5% chance could be expected.however  in trials conducted with the new drugs approx. 30% of null responders were successful
Has you mom had a recent biopsy or fibroscan  as this could be important info .to have on whether or not to treat again now or possibly wait for newer ,even more efficacy meds.

Best to you and welcome