different drugs have different mechanisms of effecting change in our bodies. Interferon is known to require the right genes in the host to work, hence the Interleukin 28, like the right key in the right lock.
Other drugs have a different mechanism and as far as I know the IL28 gene is not so important in how they work on the virus.
Putting it simply an Tylenol will work just as well on a TT as a CT or CC at getting rid of a headache.
It's talking a whole other language.

If I am CC my ancestors came in contact with the plague or flu and survived. They developed a stronger immune system.

If I am TT my ancestors did not come in contact with the plague or flu so the did not develop this immunity.

If I am a CT I got one gene from my mom and a different one from my dad.

I am simply hypothesizing about the plague/flu scenario, but it makes sense. Survival of the fittest.

If anyone can find any credible website that states the contrary ..please do post the link.
Thank you

I believe that IL28b not only predicts response to interferon but to other types of tx as well. I don't have a recent link so feel free to dismiss this one as outdated and irrelevant. It makes no difference to me.

"Gilead's "Electron" study of GS-7977 plus ribavirin which enrolled 25 treatment naive, genotype 1 patients: SVR4 (early cure) rate of 88%

Gilead ... "Quantum", using the same GS-7977 and ribavirin combination. The SVR4, or early, cure rate of 59%..."

"Why the disparity ...? Electron enrolled easier to treat patients -- 44% had the IL28B "CC" genetic variant of the hepatitis C virus which is known to respond better to treatment. By comparison, only 16% of the patients in the Quantum study carried the "CC" genetic variant.

http://www.thestreet.com/story/11500841/1/gilead-bristol-hep-c-drug-data-arrives-at-easl.html?cm_ven=emailfriend

I think it's very interesting. Makes me wish that I had paid more attention in science.

This expands upon my previous link

http://www.gilead.com/pr_1684792

see my discussion
More Gilead News!!!
9 out of 9 non responders SVR .. a

Yes, I read that and it's absolutely amazing.

My only point in the link to the older trial was to show that at least in some interferon-free trials, the IL28b did seem to make a difference.

But hopefully in the near future with the new meds, SVR rates will be so high across the board that the difference between CC, CT, and TT will become inconsequential.

Just when I am feeling peaceful and assured about treatments, I start reading this, and down I go. Since I am TT and also 1A and have had a transplant, the upcoming treatments that my docs are recommending me taking, which would be either interferon/riba or triple, seems so senseless.

It all depends on how much time you have to safely wait Marilyn. Doing treatment now could buy you more. It's a very hard decision. So many of us are at the 11th hour. Perhaps discuss this breaking news with your medical team.

I am a TC. A couple people told me that was a mistake - it was CT. Well, no, there are both. My doc said something interesting, "You're TC - that's what we see in 'Latina' and/or "Native American" folks." I didn't pursue it with him. But ... I'm thinking that the first letter is paternal and the second maternal. My dad's ancestry includes Native American. They weren't exposed to the Black Plague, didn't build up that immunity.

This ancestry gene issue and "the plague" is fascinating. All my mom's ancestor's were European (yeah, some cousin did the family tree back to almost the beginning of history - lol) - so all of them were exposed to the Black Plague, which I think is what's being referenced.

I didn't read through all of these posts, but yes, it's a very important factor to consider for chronic tx.

As a side note, when treating for acute HCV they still check it but don't use it to guide tx at all. I'm a 1a, TT (crappy) but they currently treat with SOC regardless for 24 weeks beyond your first undetectable VL. Acutes tend to clear more easily (triples your chances) but you are considered chronic if you don't naturally clear after 6 months and haven't started tx. For this reason I've only been diagnosed as having an acute HCV infection as I started tx within 6 months of infection. I'm a newbie in that respect.

Oh and they welcome you to do 48 weeks to slightly improve your outcome but there is no way I would do another shot after 32. I had planned to months ago but not for some time. This one is just about done and had all he can take. :-D

I am willing to take my chances. But I was told 32 should do it. Hearing that and going through my own unique hell, how could I do 16 more weeks? No way. Only if I had to. Many can comfortably wait though.

Marilyn, as was said, I can see why it's such a hard decision. There is nothing easy about your decision ahead of you. But like Kramer also said, discuss the breakthroughs with your physicians to see if you can wait. Your blood counts already concern me to be honest (as you've previously posted). On triple, they will undoubtedly come down further with your factors. Your physicians definitely owe you every angle of their decision making reasons in my opinion. I say this as a medical professional. If you have to do it, give it your all and then some, but if you can wait and I sincerely hope that you can, then wait for those orals soon. Had to be honest from where I'm sitting. This is a hard tx and you're looking at triple. I would not want my mother to go through it.

Oh and guess what, she's on a 14-day hold as a side note. I think I mentioned her Bipolar D/O before. I'm not even stressed about that. I'm not letting that in over this. I'm no tx slouch. You have to protect yourself. Tx is all about you. Don't ever forget that. I'm helping a sister a little who's managing it mostly. . Our mom's safe but well very ill. This life stuff doesn't stop on tx. It's super tough to deal with on tx with where your mind goes already. It's dark at times. Very. You find peace at times though. Always. But well wow I'm so glad it's almost done.

Brigid, both my maternal and paternal ancestors were of European descent and I'm CC. Fascinating thread, indeed.

I wasn't tested for the IL -28 gene, though my current (second) doc asked if I had been--- I said no, and I didnt think it would affect my decision to treat or not.... I am 8.5 weeks into triple with incivek and wonder if I should ask to be tested for any reason??? gotta admit, now i am curious