New blood test (Interleukin 28B gene variants) to help predict treatment response in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 patients
Regarded as one of the most important advances in hepatitis C in the last decade, three independent studies (one conducted by a team from Sydney), have shown that variation in the IL28B gene is the most crucial determinant of treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis C patients with genotype 1.

The recommended treatment for chronic infection currently involves a 48-week course of peginterferon-α-2b (PegIFN-α-2b) or -α-2a (PegIFN-α-2a) combined with ribavirin (RBV). Approximately 50% of patients will be cured by this treatment but many patients tolerate treatment poorly because of side effects. The single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP—associated with interferon response can have three patterns: CC (which predicts the best response - >70% chance of response), CT, and TT (worse chance of response).

This makes the IL28B a very valuable tool to assist clinical decision-making for both current standard of care and potentially for the integration of other agents in the future. For those patients who test to having the best chance of response to treatment (CC), the decision to treat now becomes much easier.

As part of an ongoing study, nearly all Sydney and South Western Sydney LHD-based liver clinics are offering this test for free and are accepting new referrals. If patients do not want to take part in a study the test costs around $100. At the same time, patients have the opportunity to discuss the possibility of treatment with new antiviral agents, offering a higher chance of cure with shortened duration of treatment.

For further information please contact:
Janice Pritchard-Jones on 9515 8648
Hepatitis Coordinator, Sydney Local Health District

Louise Smith on 8738 3570
Hepatitis CNC, Sydney South West Local Health District