How is HCV treated?
Initially, interferon monotherapy (three million units three times per week) was used for the treatment of HCV. In 1998, two multicenter randomized trials demonstrated that the combination of interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin was more effective than interferon monotherapy in the treatment of previously untreated (naïve) patients with chronic hepatitis C. Recently, interferon has been conjugated to polyethylene glycol, which results in once a week dosing. Interferon monotherapy studies yielded sustained viral responses in 10-15% of patients. The 2 large multicenter randomized trials of interferon alfa-2b plus ribivarin showed improved sustained viral responses of 38%-41%. Initial study results of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin show about 54% sustained virologic responses with 48 weeks therapy. Virologic response varies by genotype and these results are discussed below. At DDW (May 2001), Thomas Shaw-Stieffell (University of Rochester) discussed the pharmacology of interferon. Stand
