Treatment Extension to 72 Weeks of Peginterferon and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Genotype 1-Infected Slow Responders

In hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection, the duration of interferon-based therapy is a critical determinant in achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Slow or late responders to peginterferon and ribavirin may benefit from an extended treatment course. We sought to determine if therapy extension could improve response rates in a United States population of slow responders. Slow response was defined by achieving at least a 2-log decrement in HCV RNA from baseline, yet having detectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks and undetectable HCV RNA at 24 weeks (polymerase chain reaction, TaqMan, Roche; detection limit 10