Is there an optimal time to measure quantitative HCV RNA to predict non-response following interferon treatment for chronic HCV infection?

Background/Aims: Current criteria to predict sustained response for a patient with chronic hepatitis C virus during interferon treatment are not consistent. The aim of this study was to determine a reliable point in time to predict non-response to therapy as a theoretical basis for early cessation of treatment, Methods: Sera (-70 degrees C) from 66 patients treated with interferon (3 million units three times a week for 6 months) were assayed with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (sensitivity less than or equal to 100 copies per milliliter). Evaluations were made at baseline, during treatment at weeks 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24, and at follow-up week 48. Biochemical response was defined using standard alanine aminotransferase criteria, Virologic response was defined as: sustained if loss of HCV RNA persisted through therapy and follow-up; relapse if HCV RNA became undetectable but reappeared during treatment or follow-up; and non-response if HCV RNA remained detectable during the study period. Alanine aminotransferase and HCV RNA results were analyzed at defined time intervals to determine a predictive value for non-response and sustained response, Results: HCV RNA results are a more accurate predictor than alanine aminotransferase for both non-response and sustained response. Serum HCV RNA predicted non-response better than sustained response, The optimal time to predict non-response with serum HCV RNA was treatment week 12; Conclusions: Treatment meek 12 results indicate that HCV RNA was a more accurate predictor for nonresponse than serum alanine aminotransferase. This prediction would have theoretically permitted stopping treatment for 75% of the patients in this study at treatment week. 12 allowing an overall cost savings of 28%.