Table 9.

Summary of Studies Comparing Short Versus Standard Therapy Stratifying Based Upon RVR in Genotype 2 and 3 Patients

Trial/ Regimen	aPegIFN α−2b 1 μg/kg/wk & Rbv 1,000–1,2000 mg daily117			bPegIFN α−2a 180 μg/wk & Rbv 800–1,200 mg daily118			cPegIFN α−2a 180 μg/wk & Rbv 1,00–1,200 mg daily119		dPegIFN α−2a 180 μg/wk & Rbv 800 mg daily114
N	283			153			150		1,469
Gt 2	76%			26%			100%		50%
Gt 3	24%			74%			0%		50%
Rx duration/	12Iwks	24IIwks	24IIIwks	161wks	242wks	243wks	16 wks	24 wks	16 wks	24 wks
n	113	80	70	71	71	11	50	100	732	731
RVR	100	0	64	100	100	0	86	87	67	64
ETR	95	68	79	94	85	72	100	98	89	82
SVR	85	64	76	82	80	36	94	95	62	70
REL	9	6	4	13	5	50	6	3	30	13

^aPatients were randomized at baseline to a standard 24 week regimen (Group III), or a variable-duration regimen depending on results of HCV RNA testing at week 4: HCVRNA negative-treatment duration 12 weeks (Group I) or HCV RNA positive-treatment duration 24 weeks (Group II).

^bAll patients treated for 4 weeks, patients with an RVR (HCV RNA < 600 IU/ml) were randomized to 16 (Group 1) or 24 weeks (Group 2). Patients with HCV RNA ≥600 IU/ml were treated for 24 weeks (Group 3).

^cPatients randomized 1:2 to either 16 or 24 weeks.

^dPatients randomized to 16 or 24 weeks. Abbreviations: Gt, genotype; n, number; Rx, Treatment; REL, Relapser.