I was diagnosed with genotype 1 chronic Hep C with stage 3 fibrosis about 2 years ago. I just completed the 48 week treatment of Pegintron / Ribavirin by the middle of Feb '04 and was tested at the end of treatment as "no detectable virus" present. I had to endure substantial side effects from treatment, but I managed to complete the full 48 weeks without any dose reductions.

I am now in this state of "limbo" waiting for my six month re-test in August '04 to see if I have a sustained viral response. I am trying to be optimistic and tell myself that all will be well, but I understand that the odds of a relapse are as likely as news of a cure. I therefore have been trying to prepare myself by researching my re-treatment options should the news be negative. My Gastroenterologist has been talking about ongoing treatments of interferon only to slow the progression of the disease. But I am not willing to give up on the idea of a sustained viral response and I am wondering about the possible benefit of a 48 week re-treatment with Roche's Pegasys. What are my chances of being successful? I would appreciate advice and input from anyone who can help.

I was diagnosed with genotype 1 chronic Hep C with stage 3 fibrosis about 2 years ago. I just completed the 48 week treatment of Pegintron / Ribavirin by the middle of Feb '04 and was tested at the end of treatment as "no detectable virus" present. I had to endure substantial side effects from treatment, but I managed to complete the full 48 weeks without any dose reductions.

I am now in this state of "limbo" waiting for my six month re-test in August '04 to see if I have a sustained viral response. I am trying to be optimistic and tell myself that all will be well, but I understand that the odds of a relapse are as likely as news of a cure. I therefore have been trying to prepare myself by researching my re-treatment options should the news be negative. My Gastroenterologist has been talking about ongoing treatments of interferon only to slow the progression of the disease. But I am not willing to give up on the idea of a sustained viral response and I am wondering about the possible benefit of a 48 week re-treatment with Roche's Pegasys. What are my chances of being successful? I would appreciate advice and input from anyone who can help.

The usual recommendation for re-treatment is consensus interferon, or cifn, not peagsys despite pegasys's deservedly high respect as a med.

Some are experimenting with triple therapy, adding either amantadine or zadaxin to peg/riba, and the results are not discouraging. But lord knows what clinical trial magic you or your doc would have to work to get into one of these tx regimens.

You have plenty of time to research things and figure out what to do, but I'd start by looking into cifn. Maybe someday soon it will also be pegylated, by the way.

sean

Yes, Pegasys and CIFN are possible options. It's hard to say which is better. Perhaps (my private opinion) CIFN is for genotype 1 better solution. Pegasys is more comfortable (1 shoot a week). But the goal is to get cured, not to be on comfortable therapy...

I have tried two tx: IFN and Pegasys (both combo - with Ribavirin). And both failed (already breakthrough during the tx). Now I'm going to try CIFN.

BTW, Sean: do you now something new about pegylation of CIFN? I think that for 2004 trial phase III was scheduled, but i have heared no news for a long time.

Petr

BTW, Sean: do you now something new about pegylation of CIFN? I think that for 2004 trial phase III was scheduled, but i have heared no news for a long time.

Petr

Hi Petr,

No, I've not heard anything more than you have. I'd love some news if anyone has any.......


sean