Maintenance Therapy

[miked]

Scott (revenire) had said that he was considering "maintenance therapy" when he relapsed after 88 weeks of tx.  The following trials are underway for maintenance therapy to reduce or slow the progression of HCV disease:HALT-C, EPIC-3, COPILOT, PROI-C, AEGIS.  The data that I'm finding is early.  Does anyone have any data about the effectiveness of maintenance therapy?

[Southernboy]

Hey there,

Take a look at this article and I think it will answer your question.

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2004icr/aasld/docs/hcv/121004_a.html

Best to you and all,
Steve

[cuteus]

I am not sure about the accuracy of stating that normal ALT means no damage is happening...I always had NORMAL liver functions, all of them, and damage was still happening from the virus influence grade 2 of 1rst stage, mild but IT WAS happening even with low ALTs.

[Southernboy]

Hey Chev,

Absolutely no reason to be sorry.  I didn't answer because I did not get back to the board until this morning, (was too busy still laughing).  You sure hit it right on the head when you said "put it in the back of your mind".  I am one of those who likes to think about this condition as little as possible and usually comes here only to see if there are questions to which I might be able to provide some light.  Believe me when I say that I appreciate your support, and your humor, and hope that you put a smile on many other faces, not just mine (but reserve the best for me).  I'll email you as soon as I get the chance.

Thanks again,
Steve

[Southernboy]

It seems the only answer to that question would be; yes, but only if there are baseline values to compare against.  I would say that these would have to be from a time pre exposure to HCV, post exposure and then current.  Hmmmmm, don't think too many folks have that infromation but would love to see it if they do.

Best,
Steve

[Califia]

Intellectual curiosity can be a real life-saver.  That's all I want to say on this subject.    And I'm not talking about  satisfying that curiosity by reading snake oil ads about Hep-C cures on the internet.

I'm with Snook:  annihilation of the virus is a worthy goal.   But if we don't make it, there are indeed other ways to halt progression.   I myself don't want to spend the next few years on chemical treatment.  I've seen the effects of that, close up and personal.   One guy I used to work with (at an HIV/HCV  Buyers Club)  had been on interferon maintenenance for five years  by the time I met him and mostly operated in outer space.   Not good for an Executive Director.  He had been a real mover and shaker and innovator, but had most definitely lost his edge.  Very sad situation.  Cognitive dysfunction definitely happens.....    

[Southernboy]

LLLLLLOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL.
Your last comment had me laughing so hard it was difficult to get back up and type this.

Thank you,
Steve