Four-week pegylated interferon alpha-2a monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C with genotype 2 and low viral load: a pilot, randomized study.

Abstract

AIM:

To assess the efficacy and advantages of 4-wk pegylated interferon alpha-2a (peg-IFN-alpha 2a) monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C patients with strong predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR).

METHODS:

Patients (n = 33) with genotype 2 and low viral load (< 100 KIU/mL), who became HCV RNA negative after 1 wk of IFN treatment, were randomly allocated to receive a 4- or 12-wk treatment course at a ratio of 2:1, respectively, with a subsequent 24-wk follow-up period. Peg-IFN-alpha 2a was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 180 microg or 90 microg once weekly. SVR was defined as absence of serum HCV RNA at the end of the follow-up period.

RESULTS:

All patients completed the treatment schedule, and more than half were symptom-free during the treatment. In the 4-wk treatment group, 20 of 22 (91%) patients achieved SVR. Two patients relapsed, but achieved SVR following re-treatment with peg-IFN-alpha 2a alone. In the 12-wk treatment group, 11 of 11 (100%) patients attained SVR.

CONCLUSION:

Our results show that a 4-wk course of peg-IFN-alpha 2a monotherapy can achieve a high SVR rate in "IFN-sensitive" patients, without negatively affecting outcome.

• Authors: Akihito Tsubota, Ken-ichi Satoh, Mashu Aizawa, Seishi Takamatsu, Yoshihisa Namiki, Toshifumi Ohkusa, Kiyotaka Fujise, Hisao Tajiri
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 14 Issue 47 Pg. 7220-4 (Dec 21 2008) ISSN: 1007-9327 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19084937 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha
• RNA, Viral
• Recombinant Proteins
• Polyethylene Glycols
• peginterferon alfa-2a

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antiviral Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Genotype
• Hepacivirus (genetics)
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (drug therapy, genetics, virology)
• Humans
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Polyethylene Glycols (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• RNA, Viral (blood)
• Recombinant Proteins
• Treatment Outcome
• Viral Load