6533b7d7fe1ef96bd126842d
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Reducing treatment duration in patients infected with hepatitis C genotype 1: any need for further studies?
Antonio Craxìsubject
GenotypeTreatment durationHepatitis C virusHepacivirusInterferon alpha-2medicine.disease_causeAntiviral AgentsDrug Administration SchedulePolyethylene Glycolschemistry.chemical_compoundPegylated interferonGenotypeRibavirinMedicineHumansPharmacology (medical)In patientPharmacologyClinical Trials as Topicbusiness.industryRibavirinInterferon-alphaHepatitis CHepatitis C Chronicmedicine.diseaseVirologyRecombinant ProteinsInfectious DiseasesTreatment OutcomechemistryHCVDrug Therapy Combinationbusinessmedicine.drugdescription
The recommended treatment duration with pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 is 48 weeks. Interestingly, a subpopulation of genotype 1 patients experience rapid decreases in HCV RNA levels once treatment is initiated and attain rapid virological response, defined as undetectable HCV RNA at week 4 of therapy. Several studies have shown that these patients can be effectively treated for a 24-week period without any significant decreases in sustained virological response rates. The aim of this review was to consider the existing clinical evidence regarding the use of a 24-week treatment schedule among genotype 1 patients and to highlight the characteristics of patients most suitable for this shortened treatment schedule.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-11-01 | Antiviral therapy |