Extended Interferon Therapy in HCV-Positive Slow Responders

Data from retrospective studies suggest that hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1–positive patients who are slow responders to pegylated interferon plus fixed-dose ribavirin regimens have significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) when they are treated for 72 weeks rather than the standard 48 weeks (Hepatology 2003; 37:1226). Now, researchers have validated this hypothesis by using pegylated interferon and weight-based ribavirin dosing.

One hundred one HCV genotype 1–positive patients with slow response to therapy (minimum 2-log decrease in HCV RNA from baseline, detectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks, and undetectable HCV RNA at 24 weeks) were recruited from a single Atlanta center. Participants were randomized to receive either…