Il28b testing update

[merryBe]

the profile has just changed and it's good for us, but requires understanding as it just got more complex.

I will try to explain and then give you the study.

We have long chains of encoding within our DNA. Each strand within that long chain has a combo of the basic proteins. When we speak of the alleles within a group, it is these pieces of data we referrence.

the patient only need know that how these proteins are encoded within your cells determines how strongly your body may be able to fight this virus.

Past threads have discusses the first test that became available as a genetic predictor.

Now labcorp (through Arup) is making available 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms rather than 1.
what that means is that we will know the Interleukin program within 2 of our gene programs, and have a better predictor of outcome.

Now here's where it gets tricky.

the original test some members already got showed a 2-3 fold increase in SVr with the right genes.
this test is known as the IL28b rs12979860
with this test the best combo to have is C/C, followed by C/T, and by TT being the worst.

Now they have moved up the chain to test one more set of alleles, and this test is call the IL28b rs8099917.
with this group T/T is the most favorable outcome, followed by G/T followed by GG being the worst.

now you see where confusion could come in. TT is least favorable with the test for one grouping, and most favorable with the group next door!!

here's the study:

http://www.natap.org/2010/HCV/050310_09.htm

now I just happened to have had this testing done and my results arrived today.

to my surprise I was CC  on the rs 12979860 and TT on the rs 8099917
it doesn't get any better than that.

this means that I should be able to clear with a PI added especially if I keep my IR down and get my Dietary restrictions in place.
It also means my diet had a great deal to do with why I didn't clear because I was extremely compliant on tx and my genes helped, so I should have cleared, except for being stage 3/4 which also may have lowered my chances.

[merryBe]

not ignoring you at all, just missed the post somehow.

my big confession is I do most of my reading and writing late at night or at dawn, when eyes are glazed over,

any time you think I need a heads up please PM and alert me as I love the new stuff.

Actually though, I kinda crossed the INF puzzle off my list about a year ago.

I decided then to not do the peg. I won't do standard INF either, but will shoot for the daily injections 3 times a day. Because of the short half life this makes more sense to me then every 12 hours, HL is 4 hrs. so that hardly makes sense.

Of course, the pump would be even better, assuming one doesn't mind the extra surgery to implant it, and extra risk of infection with it.
I'll have to mull it over, but since every time I'm put under is risky in stage 4 I'll probably stick with the 3 shots a day. With a good wrist watch I think it's manageable.
With 3 shots a day there will be very few windows where INF it not at optimal levels.
whereas with peg the last day or 2 of each week could be very low, and with a pump, it could fail, and you wouldn't get any if it did.  Of course, if one forgets the shots same thing, but assuming one can be compliant I thought that method most guaranteed steady state with the least risk.

Had you ever thought of that?  I mean, it only makes sense to me, although I haven't even run it by my doc yet.  He may think its too hard, but I can always do it that way regardless. It's not hard in my world.

mb

[BeatTheBeast]

Thanks for the suggestion.  Indeed a wealth of information has been posted.  I will continue to research and digest this.

BTB

[nygirl7]

If you use the search feature on this forum and look up Co-Writer they are kind of the resident expert on IR, I am sure you can find all the information you could possibly read about - it has been a much discussed topic here over the years on MH.  Even though doctors might not be aware of it.......this forum is.

Good luck.

[BeatTheBeast]

Hi, merryBe,

I have been reading posts here for a while and just posted my first query in a new thread, re whether Quest tests for both rs associated with the IL28B gene.  I probably should have posted that query in this thread instead of starting a new thread.

Also, I was very interested in your comments about IR.  I have the impression that this topic is not on the radar screen of hepatologists but have thought it's very important for some patients.  Would it be possible for me to email or call you?

The information on this Board is terrific.  Thanks.

BTB

[nygirl7]

I agree with you desrt that is what I was thinking too.

[desrt]

"...I bet i was a TT which is why it took so long for me..."
And I bet I have at least one C allele which is why I cleared with less than 24. But unless we get the test done we're still just guessing. I'm considering scraping together the $300 and having the test done, not just for my own curiousity, but because I think that those of us who are SVR could create a valuable data base. It would give our tx experiences some context.