HCV in Latinos

Latino whites have a lower response rate to treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin than do non-Latino whites.

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes more-severe disease in Latino whites than in non-Latino whites, with higher degrees of inflammation and fibrosis, a higher risk for cirrhosis, and a higher mortality rate. Unfortunately, Latinos have been relatively underrepresented in clinical trials of HCV therapy. Investigators recently completed a prospective multicenter trial, funded by industry, to determine the effect of Latino ethnic background on response to HCV therapy.

The researchers recruited adults with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection and no previous HCV treatment to receive a 48-week regimen of peginterferon alfa-2a (180 µg weekly) and ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg daily). A total of 269 Latino an…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

HCV in Latinos

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Reviewing Author