TOPIC: HCV Viral Load and Speed of Decline Do Not Predict Cure

Direct-acting antiviral regimens containing sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and the drugs in Viekira Pak were highly effective regardless of how soon HCV viral load became undetectable after starting treatment, according to research presented at the recent 2015 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Furthermore, even having low-level detectable HCV RNA at the end of treatment does not preclude a cure, the investigators for a related study concluded.

www.hivandhepatitis.com/hcv-basic-scienc...erferon-free-therapy

Hello Dr F, I have read much patient experience regarding this, have a friend on VPak detectable EOT and told he'd failed only to go on to clear at 3 months post tx - Interesting. Is there 'any' sort of pattern appearing?

Love this article

Yes LG I too wonder whether the current EOT and SVR 4 result for Redemption are mirroring what we read in the conclusion of this study, time will tell.

Its reassuring for me to have read this as I am still detected <12 upon the EOT (Abbott Real Time Assay). I am hopeful that I too will follow the trend as suggested by the author. If that is not the case at my EOT + 4week VL then I will retreat using a alternative DAA regime with an extended tx period from my first round.

Interesting ride ahead awaits me.

yes no panic

LondonGirl wrote: Yes if you see the US forums there are many examples of this kind of pattern where detected EOT and at 4 weeks EOT but got SVR 12

Even for the doctors these are new drugs and their experiences are limited. The article is a year old but glad its here just reduces the anxiety and panic.

Just read this (Tina) xx

hepcukforum.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=173731#173731

forums.hepmag.com/
Many many stories like this there

Had a chat with my friend previously mentioned, he said he was Detected 15 at EOT , then a few weeks post EOT VL rose to 50, but at week 12 post tx he was UND.