We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Anemia Management in the Era of Triple Combination Therapy for Chronic HCV.
- Abstract
Boceprevir or telaprevir plus ribavirin (RBV) and pegylated interferon-α (peglFN-α) is the new standard-of-care therapy for patients who are chronically infected with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). The addition of these protease inhibi- tors to the RBV/pegIFN-α comb nation reg men has sign ficantly im proved rates of susta ned v ro ogic response (SVR), however, the incidence of anemia has also increased significantly. Anemia can interfere with patients' qualityof life, work productivity, and treatment adherence. Severe anemia can cause morbidity and even mortal ity. For the manage- ment of anemia during triple combination therapy, RBV dose reduction is recommended as an initial courseof action. Retrospective analyses of carefully selected patient cohorts suggest that RBV dose reduction does not reduce SVR rates. However. this observation needs to be confirmed in prospective trials with cohorts that more accurately reflect the challenging patients treated in real-world practice. Adequate doses of RBV should be maintained during triple combination therapy, as phase II trials have demonstrated that RBV is essential for attaining optimal SVR rates and preventing viral breakthrough, relapse, and emergence of resistant variants. This roundtable addresses key points related to the management of anemia in the era of triple combination therapy; including the increasing problem of anemia, strategies for anemia management, and the importance of maintaining adequate RBV exposure as part of the HCV treatment regimen.
- Subjects
ANEMIA prevention; THERAPEUTIC use of interferons; RIBAVIRIN; GENES; HEPATITIS C; PHARMACEUTICAL arithmetic
- Publication
Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2012, Vol 8, Issue 9, p1
- ISSN
1554-7914
- Publication type
Article