Re: Re: 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV Genotype 1 P

[Guest guest]

Hmmm, I was told different. Basically my Dr said that even if I didn't reach undetected, it would strengthen the liver to continue thru the whole 48 weeks. The literature I read on it confirmed what she had said.

Ally

On 8/19/06, dizadncr2 <dizadncr2@...> wrote:

That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back " nonedetected " 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasys

and Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks.

>> 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1 Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received > treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability.

> > Results> > The end-of-treatment response rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175). > 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse > side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. > > Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.>

[Guest guest]

My husband is genotype 2 and he had to do the whole treatment even tho his was still there. His program was for 6 months. <4thMoon@...> wrote: Hmmm, I was told different. Basically my Dr said that even if I didn't reach undetected, it would strengthen the liver to continue thru the whole 48 weeks. The literature I read on it confirmed what she had said. Ally On 8/19/06, dizadncr2 <dizadncr2 > wrote: That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back "nonedetected" 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasys and Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks. >> 24-Week vs 48-Week

Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1 Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received > treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability. >

> Results> > The end-of-treatment response rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175). > 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse > side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. >

> Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.> __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi ally Well there is 'some' evidence that continuing even without being undetectible will help the liver,, it WONT strengthen the liver but will help the liver to just hold its own,, however most insurance companies wont pay for it IF you don't reach 'undetectible' status by 6 months,, some wont even cover if you are still detectible at 3 months.. AND IF you are not going to clear,, sometimes the treatment can and does cause the virus to mutate and then you never get rid of it with todays treatments,, so I hope you clear by week 12,, Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote: Hmmm, I was told different. Basically my Dr said that even if I didn't reach undetected, it would strengthen the liver to continue thru the whole 48 weeks. The literature I read on it confirmed what she had said. Ally On 8/19/06, dizadncr2 <dizadncr2 > wrote: That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back "nonedetected" 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasys and Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the

protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks. >> 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1 Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study

enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received > treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability. > > Results> > The end-of-treatment response rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175). > 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse

> side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. > > Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.> Jackie

[Guest guest]

Mostly the insurance companies dont want to continue paying if you havent had that 2 log drop by week 24,, and some wont continue if you are not undetectible by week 12.. but with geno 1,, if you dont clear really by week 12, you will not reach SVR.. I think the stats show that,, its sad ,, so I hope you clear early!dizadncr2 <dizadncr2@...> wrote: That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back "nonedetected" 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we

would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasysand Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks. >> 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1 Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when

administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received > treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability.> > Results> > The end-of-treatment response rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175).

> 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse > side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. > > Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.>Jackie

[Guest guest]

I know allot of doctors stop their patients by week 24 if they haven't responded with a log 2 drop . But there is also allot of doc's that will continue as long as the patient is tolerating it well . I think it all depends on the treating doctor.

Re: 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV Genotype 1 P

That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back "nonedetected" 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasysand Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks. >> 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1 Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received > treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability.> > Results> > The end-of-treatment response rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175). > 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse > side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. > > Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.>

[Guest guest]

Yeah, luckily I got the desired undetected by the 12th week, she is just waiting for it to come back negative. I feel very lucky that I am covered by the VA for this so I " can " do the full tx. I don't have any insurance so if it wasn't for them, I don't know what I would have done. I think it is sad that peoples health depends on the decisions by insurance companies based on dollars and cents.

Ally

On 8/20/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote:

Hi ally

Well there is 'some' evidence that continuing even without being undetectible will help the liver,, it WONT strengthen the liver but will help the liver to just hold its own,, however most insurance companies wont pay for it IF you don't reach 'undetectible' status by 6 months,, some wont even cover if you are still detectible at 3 months.. AND IF you are not going to clear,, sometimes the treatment can and does cause the virus to mutate and then you never get rid of it with todays treatments,, so I hope you clear by week 12,,

Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote:

Hmmm, I was told different. Basically my Dr said that even if I didn't reach undetected, it would strengthen the liver to continue thru the whole 48 weeks. The literature I read on it confirmed what she had said.

Ally

On 8/19/06, dizadncr2 <dizadncr2@...

> wrote:

That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back " nonedetected " 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasys and Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks. >> 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1 Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received > treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability. > > Results> > The end-of-treatment response rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175). > 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse > side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. > > Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.>

Jackie

[Guest guest]

I know ally, its really sad that our health system is based on MONEY,, Both Scherring and Roche have programs for those who have NO insurance at all, they will provide the meds in some cases free of charge... I was grateful too that I had good insurance even tho half way through my treatment the company I worked for changed insurance companies and it was a problem getting the procrit and neup covered,, Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote: Yeah, luckily I got the desired undetected by the 12th week, she is just

waiting for it to come back negative. I feel very lucky that I am covered by the VA for this so I "can" do the full tx. I don't have any insurance so if it wasn't for them, I don't know what I would have done. I think it is sad that peoples health depends on the decisions by insurance companies based on dollars and cents. Ally On 8/20/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: Hi ally Well there is 'some' evidence that continuing even without being undetectible will help the liver,, it WONT strengthen the liver but will help the liver to just hold its own,, however most insurance companies wont pay for it IF you don't reach 'undetectible'

status by 6 months,, some wont even cover if you are still detectible at 3 months.. AND IF you are not going to clear,, sometimes the treatment can and does cause the virus to mutate and then you never get rid of it with todays treatments,, so I hope you clear by week 12,, Ally <4thMoongmail> wrote: Hmmm, I was told different. Basically my Dr said that even if I didn't reach undetected, it would strengthen the liver to continue thru the whole 48 weeks. The literature I read on it confirmed what she had said. Ally On 8/19/06, dizadncr2 <dizadncr2 > wrote: That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back "nonedetected" 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasys and Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks. >> 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1

Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received > treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability. > > Results> > The end-of-treatment response

rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175). > 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse > side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. > > Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F

Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.> Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

Oy vey, I don't know what I would do without the Neup and Aranesp (procrit). This would be entirely different for sure. I would definitely not be feeling as well as I am now! Did they finally cave in and give it to you?

On 8/20/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote:

I know ally, its really sad that our health system is based on MONEY,, Both Scherring and Roche have programs for those who have NO insurance at all, they will provide the meds in some cases free of charge... I was grateful too that I had good insurance even tho half way through my treatment the company I worked for changed insurance companies and it was a problem getting the procrit and neup covered,,

Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote:

Yeah, luckily I got the desired undetected by the 12th week, she is just waiting for it to come back negative. I feel very lucky that I am covered by the VA for this so I " can " do the full tx. I don't have any insurance so if it wasn't for them, I don't know what I would have done. I think it is sad that peoples health depends on the decisions by insurance companies based on dollars and cents.

Ally

On 8/20/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm@...

> wrote:

Hi ally

Well there is 'some' evidence that continuing even without being undetectible will help the liver,, it WONT strengthen the liver but will help the liver to just hold its own,, however most insurance companies wont pay for it IF you don't reach 'undetectible' status by 6 months,, some wont even cover if you are still detectible at 3 months.. AND IF you are not going to clear,, sometimes the treatment can and does cause the virus to mutate and then you never get rid of it with todays treatments,, so I hope you clear by week 12,,

Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote:

Hmmm, I was told different. Basically my Dr said that even if I didn't reach undetected, it would strengthen the liver to continue thru the whole 48 weeks. The literature I read on it confirmed what she had said.

Ally

On 8/19/06, dizadncr2 <dizadncr2@...

> wrote:

That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back " nonedetected " 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasys and Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks. >> 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1 Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received > treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability. > > Results> > The end-of-treatment response rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175). > 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse > side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. > > Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.>

Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Well I was using procrit 3 times a week and I finally got ONE SHOT of each approved per week ONLY becuase my doc kept calling them and was slamming his fist down on the table and yelling at them DEMANDING that I MUST have it... but with only getting one procrit per week, I slowly slid downward and eventually had to stop treatment but I was undetectible by week 12 and I have held my SVR MORE than 3 years so far,, Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote: Oy vey, I don't know what I would do without the Neup and Aranesp (procrit). This

would be entirely different for sure. I would definitely not be feeling as well as I am now! Did they finally cave in and give it to you? On 8/20/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: I know ally, its really sad that our health system is based on MONEY,, Both Scherring and Roche have programs for those who have NO insurance at all, they will provide the meds in some cases free of charge... I was grateful too that I had good insurance even tho half way through my treatment the company I worked for changed insurance companies and it was a problem getting the procrit and neup covered,, Ally <4thMoongmail> wrote: Yeah, luckily I got the desired undetected by the 12th week, she is just waiting for it to come back negative. I feel very lucky that I am covered by the VA for this so I "can" do the full tx. I don't have any insurance so if it wasn't for them, I don't know what I would have done. I think it is sad that peoples health depends on the decisions by insurance companies based on dollars and cents. Ally On 8/20/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: Hi ally Well there is 'some'

evidence that continuing even without being undetectible will help the liver,, it WONT strengthen the liver but will help the liver to just hold its own,, however most insurance companies wont pay for it IF you don't reach 'undetectible' status by 6 months,, some wont even cover if you are still detectible at 3 months.. AND IF you are not going to clear,, sometimes the treatment can and does cause the virus to mutate and then you never get rid of it with todays treatments,, so I hope you clear by week 12,, Ally <4thMoongmail> wrote: Hmmm, I was told different. Basically my Dr said that even if I didn't reach undetected, it would strengthen the liver to continue thru the whole 48 weeks. The literature I read on it confirmed what she had

said. Ally On 8/19/06, dizadncr2 <dizadncr2 > wrote: That's interesting. I had my 24-week viral load come back "nonedetected" 2 weeks ago, but if it would have come back with any virusshowing up, my physician said we would stop treatment (I'm on Pegasys and Ribavirin and I'm genotype 1). Apparently from what he said if youhaven't become none detected by 24 weeks, the protocol is to stoptreatment. Has anyone else been told that? Now I'm just hoping myviral load stays that way after I finish my next 24 weeks. >> 24-Week vs 48-Week Treatment with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin in HCV > Genotype 1 Patients> > Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin is the most effective > therapy for chronic hepatitis C, but questions remain as to the > optimal duration of therapy.> > Brazilian researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effect of > pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) plus ribavirin on sustained > virological response (SVR) when administered for 24 or 48 weeks to > treatment-na�ve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). > > The study enrolled 117 participants being treated for hepatitis C for > the first time. Genotype 1 patients were randomly assigned to receive > treatment for 24 or 48 weeks; those with non-1 genotypes received >

treatment for 24 weeks. The researchers evaluated SVR (undetectable > HCV RNA 24 weeks after the end of therapy) and treatment tolerability. > > Results> > The end-of-treatment response rates were: > 59% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks; > 80% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks; > 92% for genotype non-1 patients treated for 24 weeks. > The SVR rates were: > 19% for genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks (95% CI 7.2-36.4); > 48% for genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks (95% CI 30.2-66.9; P > = 0.0175). > 76% for genotype non-1 patients (95% CI 62.3-86.5). > Safety profiles were acceptable, and there were no unexpected adverse > side effects. > Conclusion> > The authors concluded that almost half of genotype 1 patients > achieved SVR after treatment for 48 weeks with Pegasys plus low-dose > ribavirin (although

the dose used was not specified in the abstract), > confirming that 48-week treatment was superior to 24 weeks for this > population. > > Reference> > C Brand�o, A Barone, F Carrilho, and others.The results of a > randomized trial looking at 24 weeks vs 48 weeks of treatment with > peginterferon & #945;-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin combination therapy in > patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. Journal of Viral > Hepatitis 13(8): 552-559. August 2006.> Jackie Jackie Jackie