48 Vs 72 Wks G2 Re-Tx

[greygravel]

Hi everyone

Can anyone help with some feedback please or point me towards data results......I am G2 and in a dilemma of whether to extend to 72 wks, I am retreating now and at wk 45. I rellapsed 6 months post Tx last time after responding well throughout treatment. At the beginning of 2009 my ALT shot up to 980 and the virus became very aggressive indeed with extreme fatigue most days.

This Tx. I was HCV RNA Neg. at week 4, no viral breakthrough as yet......VL at start was 2,500,000 IU.Liver fibrosis score 3..(Nov 2008)   (Jan 2008)..Fibroscan score 12Kpl.

My last ultra scan in May 2009 showed my liver to be in very poor shape. Hb started crashing again last week and I am now 8.8, the anaemia has been bad all through Tx.and I am struggling to hang in. I'm on 180mg Peg. with 1200mg Daily Rib.

I can find data for G1 concerning retreatment but none so far for retreating 'relapsers' G2. Anyone who has experience of retreating with G2 I would appreciate your feedback or any other views from other relapser's.

[greygravel]

Sorry to hear you didn't clear......I know what that feels like.

You are right no Procrit or Epo here in Uk....well rather the consultants will not prescribe it....

Thanks you for your views and sharing your experience.

[Trinity4]

above post meant for greygravel

Trinity

[seattlet]

Seems your up to date.  In an event its stlll a way to stay off replacement for time.

[Trinity4]

I can't recall ever seeing a geno 2 re-treat for 72 wks after relapse.  I know of geno 2's who've treated 48 wks and attained SVR and geno 1's The fact that you RVR'd this time bodes well for SVR but your hgb is crashing and you have hemolytic anemia.  Now that's also a good indicator for SVR but at 8.8 I'm sure you feel like crap.  Without Procrit, I don't think you could tolerate 72 weeks of treatment and it's my understanding they don't prescribe Procrit or Epogen in the UK.  

So, if I were me and having to make that choice given the RVR and the hemolytic anemia I would do the 48 and call it quits.

I'm a geno 1, stage 3/4,  slow responder and did 72 wks and relapsed so sometimes it doesn't matter how long you stay on tx.

Good luck with whatever you choice, just don't endanger your health.

Trinity

[greygravel]

Yes thats probably Teleprivir which is available here next year (UK).....will be part of SOC though Im afraid with continuation of RIb and Peg after the lead in with TLP. My virus had mutated and was very aggressive so I couldn't wait another year to reatreat. If your liver is in good shape and you are not symptomatic sounds like a good call.

[seattlet]

Hi, I have been advised by a doctor at Seattle Habor Veiw that a new treatment is supposed to pass FDA at the end of the year for a 4 month treatment.  Thats what im waiting for....