Guidelines for Stopping Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C

[Guest guest]

Guidelines for Stopping Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C

Mark W Russo MD MPH and W Fried MD

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CB#7080 Room 1111

Bioinformatics Building Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina,

Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

Current Gastroenterology Reports 2004, 6:17-21 (published 1 February 2004)

Abstract

Tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Over 50% of patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

experience permanent eradication of the hepatitis C virus. The indications

for therapy have been expanded based on evolving data concerning the safety

and efficacy of these agents. Although awareness of which patients in whom

to initiate therapy is important, a thorough understanding of features of

the antiviral response is also necessary so that treatment can be

discontinued when the chances of sustained response are nil. Recent studies

have defined virologic milestones that are useful for managing patients

during antiviral therapy. Pretreatment genotype and response to therapy

measured at weeks 12 and 24 of treatment have been identified as key

determinants in decisions about continuing treatment. Progress in defining

early treatment stopping points has reduced adverse events in patients who

are unlikely to respond to therapy.

[Guest guest]

Guidelines for Stopping Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C

Mark W Russo MD MPH and W Fried MD

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CB#7080 Room 1111

Bioinformatics Building Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina,

Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

Current Gastroenterology Reports 2004, 6:17-21 (published 1 February 2004)

Abstract

Tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Over 50% of patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

experience permanent eradication of the hepatitis C virus. The indications

for therapy have been expanded based on evolving data concerning the safety

and efficacy of these agents. Although awareness of which patients in whom

to initiate therapy is important, a thorough understanding of features of

the antiviral response is also necessary so that treatment can be

discontinued when the chances of sustained response are nil. Recent studies

have defined virologic milestones that are useful for managing patients

during antiviral therapy. Pretreatment genotype and response to therapy

measured at weeks 12 and 24 of treatment have been identified as key

determinants in decisions about continuing treatment. Progress in defining

early treatment stopping points has reduced adverse events in patients who

are unlikely to respond to therapy.

[Guest guest]

Guidelines for Stopping Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C

Mark W Russo MD MPH and W Fried MD

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CB#7080 Room 1111

Bioinformatics Building Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina,

Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

Current Gastroenterology Reports 2004, 6:17-21 (published 1 February 2004)

Abstract

Tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Over 50% of patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

experience permanent eradication of the hepatitis C virus. The indications

for therapy have been expanded based on evolving data concerning the safety

and efficacy of these agents. Although awareness of which patients in whom

to initiate therapy is important, a thorough understanding of features of

the antiviral response is also necessary so that treatment can be

discontinued when the chances of sustained response are nil. Recent studies

have defined virologic milestones that are useful for managing patients

during antiviral therapy. Pretreatment genotype and response to therapy

measured at weeks 12 and 24 of treatment have been identified as key

determinants in decisions about continuing treatment. Progress in defining

early treatment stopping points has reduced adverse events in patients who

are unlikely to respond to therapy.

[Guest guest]

Guidelines for Stopping Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C

Mark W Russo MD MPH and W Fried MD

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CB#7080 Room 1111

Bioinformatics Building Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina,

Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

Current Gastroenterology Reports 2004, 6:17-21 (published 1 February 2004)

Abstract

Tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Over 50% of patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

experience permanent eradication of the hepatitis C virus. The indications

for therapy have been expanded based on evolving data concerning the safety

and efficacy of these agents. Although awareness of which patients in whom

to initiate therapy is important, a thorough understanding of features of

the antiviral response is also necessary so that treatment can be

discontinued when the chances of sustained response are nil. Recent studies

have defined virologic milestones that are useful for managing patients

during antiviral therapy. Pretreatment genotype and response to therapy

measured at weeks 12 and 24 of treatment have been identified as key

determinants in decisions about continuing treatment. Progress in defining

early treatment stopping points has reduced adverse events in patients who

are unlikely to respond to therapy.