Stopping Tx at 24 weeks????

[pkhend]

My husband is in the RO5024048 clinical trial and will go Monday for the wk 24 visit.  At that time he will learn if he was in one of the arms that discontinue Tx at 24 wks.  He achieved RVR at 4 wks and has remained negative since then.  All his numbers looked good at his last visit 2 wks ago.  My question is this:  If he isn't in the "right group" to stop Tx at 24 wks. and has the option of continuing Tx for the full 72 wks., are there any benefits in doing so?  His trila nurse told him if it were her, she would probably opt out of the remainder of the trial if he wasn't in the group that stops at 24 weeks.  I think she said that because she knows the absolutely horrible side effects he's had during Tx.  However, he feels some better even though he is still dizzy and fatigued (due to low HGB of 10.2.)  He can do a few things around the house if he paces himself.  Just wanted the opinions of some who have been in a similar situation!  Thanks so much for your help and advice!
Pat

[pkhend]

Thanks so much for your response.  I mistakenly said 72 wks, but meant 48.  I believe his nurse was basing her opinion on discontinuing tx at 24 wks. based on the results she is seeing in patients whose tx she has overseen previously; although it may be too soon for her to say that previously treated patients do not relapse at a later date.  She also knows how very, very sick my husband has been all throughout tx and althought he is better, the fatigue and lethargy remain pretty severe.  He does feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in this study.  We will give  thought to getting a second opinion and Atlanta is not that far away.  His former UAB doctor is now practicing in Atlanta and having great success with some of the newer drugs.  
Thanks again for taking the time to help us with this difficult decision!
Blessings.
Pat

[EricAgain]

You need to speak with your liver specialist. Then, drive to Atlanta for the best teaching hospital you can find and get a second opinion. The right answer requires knowing a lot about your husband’s condition, and then having the knowledge and experience that only a top hepatologist can provide.

What follows is only my opinion:
Roche is doing this clinical trial to find the right protocol (dose/duration). This nucleoside polymerase inhibitor (RO5024048) has not been tested with a protocol that included a 24-week or 48-week regimen of interferon and ribavirin. The study going on in Birmingham (NCT00869661) does not mention a 72-week duration. Please double check this, because it seems that your husband would be in-line for either 24 more weeks of IFN/RBV or no more drugs.  

Some tests in protease inhibitors (different drug) have shown better SVR rates by extending the duration of interferon and ribavirin therapy. Higher SVR rates were related to LOWER RELAPSE RATES. Interferon and ribavirin may inhibit relapse and may also control drug resistant HCV mutations. Your husband is very fortunate. He is taking is one of the more promising HCV drugs. RVR in 4 weeks. That is huge. Best of luck to both of you.