Telaprevir‐based triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis: a prospective clinical study

Summary Background Antiviral treatment is recommended for chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis to reduce and prevent cirrhosis‐related complications. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telaprevir (TVR)‐based triple therapy for patients with advanced fibrosis in a clinical practice setting. Methods This prospective, multicentre study consisted of 102 patients with advanced fibrosis (METAVIR score F3‐4) who were infected with HCV genotype 1b. All received 12 weeks of TVR in combination with 24 weeks of pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) α2b and ribavirin (RBV). Results The sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 69.6% (71 of 102). Notably, for treatment‐naïve and prior relapse patients the SVR rate was over 80%. Previous treatment response, interleukin 28B polymorphism (rs8099917) and rapid virological response (undetectable HCV RNA at week 4) were independently associated with SVR. To achieve SVR, an adequate dosage of PEG‐IFNα2b (≥1.2 μg/kg/week) and RBV (≥7.5 mg/kg/day) is preferable; however, the mean weight‐adjusted TVR dosage had little impact on treatment outcome. Although severe blood cytopaenia and a dermatological disorder were frequently found, the rate of discontinuation due to adverse effects was 12.7%. The inosine triphosphatase CC allele (rs1127354) was independently associated with the development of severe anaemia, and lower serum albumin level (