Genotype 1a,1b responders

[gusnmo]

I will be starting my second treatment soon. My first was in 1995, I responded and then I relapsed. I know that my Genotype (1a, 1b) is more difficult to treat.   Does anyone that has (had), my Genotype have any encouraging stories to share about their success with the Pegylated Interferon treatment.  I'm very anxious about starting treatment again because I was so sick the first time I took it.  Thanks for your help.

[nygirl7]

Are you talking about having both geno's?

I had both genotypes - 1A and 1B.  It sounds as if it would be more difficult to treat but I even asked the revered Dr. Ira Jacobson in New York City and he said the same as my GI - nope it's just like treating one.

I treated for 72 weeks and have been cured for over two years.  I know a few people with both geno's who are now SVR as well. I also know someone who started out with two genos and now only has one.  Go figure!

[Kristina538]

BTW, my specialist said that because I responded in 1994, I was more likely to be responsive again, and that did happen.   The meds in 94-95 were tepid then, and gave the virus the chance to mutate between injections.   The pegalated interferon lasts in your body so much longer in comparison.....

[eureka254]

My husband is a genotype 1, was told by his docs that chances of successwith treatment for him were low, so we were very anxious as well.  He predosed with Alinia for 4 weeks, followed by 180mcg Pegasys and 1200mg Ribavirin.  His VL was as high as 17.2 million at the start of treatment, but his 4 wk VL was 9310, his 8 wk viral load was 71, and he was UD <5 at week 13! I know we welcomed his response, and I hope that it also gives you some encouragement!  Best wishes.
~eureka

[newleaf09]

1b with very low VL and cleared immediately even with other strikes against me..  They have considerably refined the drugs and fine-tuned the dosages since those early days in the 90's.  

They have also perfected the PCR tests so that there are some much more accurate ones available.  My doctor feels like relapsers may not have been using a very accurate test that defined UD clearly.  And that those people who showed clear at end of treatment really still had very low levels, which flared up once the chemo stopped.  Have faith.