Several studies, including recent data from the HALT-C (Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis) trial (Gastroenterology 2004; 126:1015), have demonstrated that SVR was adversely affected when the dose of either PEGIFN and/or RBV were reduced during the first 12-20 weeks of therapy, particularly in patients with HCV genotype 1. Unfortunately, none of these prior studies contained a large enough sample size to evaluate the impact of dose reducing PEGIFN and/or RBV by variable amounts independent of the other or examined if the decline in SVR was due to reducing or discontinuing one or both of these agents. These issues were explored in the complete data set from the lead-in phase of the HALT-C trial.

Full article link:http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/reports/AASLD_2004/Posters_AASLD_2004.htm#A25