Is Liver Biopsy Necessary for HepC treatment......

[alfred13]

Can treatment for HepC begin without having a liver biopsy?  Doctor is going by fibrosure tests!

[alfred13]

I am grateful to everyone responding to my question re necessary liver biopsy.  willbb, in reading your response it gives me hope - if treatment is necessary for me,  your comment shows me that I will be able to follow the
path to put HepC in remission, if not cured!! I say "willbb Best Answer."

[alfred13]

Wow! Thank you - I will know by the end of the month where I am headed with HepC.  Your words will  help put me in the right direction.

[alfred13]

Thanks for your input.  Every word of encouragement is meaningful!!

[willbb]

Is Liver Biopsy Necessary for HepC treatment......
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The simple answer is  "No"

The markers used ( being Biopsy ,Fibroscan and Fibrosure) gives you and your doctor some information as to the condition of your liver in regards to damage (fibrosis)  as a result of having HCV,however  if one is going to start therapy  regardless Biopsy  is not always necessary

Having said that with  new drugs pending in the future ,it might be prudent to have one on these tests to ascertain whether it might be best to treat currently or wait(depending on damage)

As far as comparisons  of the above tests:


My opinion is  "biopsy  " will be used  less and less. The efficacy of the medications today has improved making the need for biopsy less crucial for patient and doctor treatment desicions.

Also the  sophistication of the" fibrosure along with fibroscan" (often used in conjuction) is greatly improving   giving clinicians very good indications of liver damage(fibrosis) making the invasive procedure of biopsy even less prevalent.

Add to the fact in the future the therapy for HCV in all likelihood be even more efficient with less side effects and shorter treatment times(possibly >90%)  there will even be less need for biopsy  


Best and welcome to the group.......
Will

[1swimmer]

Hey there, I did the fibrosure test too. I did not want the biopsy. Apparently, the accuracy is closer on the hi or lo end, and less so in the middle. I tested F0 w/ hi necro activity. From what I know now, I think I would want a biopsy, as my doc first recommended.
Best to ya,
C

[alfred13]

THank you for such a prompt reply. Your comment gives me better
insight !!

[Advocate1955]

Yes, treatment can begin, but to my knowledge, a biopsy is the best way to know the stage of your liver damage. This knowledge can guide your treatment plan. On the other hand, if you're going to treat regardless of results maybe your doc doesn't feel there's a need to do a biopsy.
Advocate1955