The study findings are consistent with the published research on the impacts of interferon-based regimens on health-related quality of life in this patient population, "and support the value of shorter treatment duration and [SVR] from a patient-reported outcomes perspective," said Dr. Younossi.
"We certainly cannot say that adding telaprevir causes fewer side effects. It’s clear there are more side effects, but it appears that the most troublesome side effects are related to the interferon therapy," he explained. When considered in the context of the improved SVR, "the burden of the increased incidence of anemia and rash associated with telaprevir, of which few cases are severe, appears to be outweighed by the overall treatment response."
This study was sponsored by Vertex. Dr. Younossi disclosed relationships with Biolex, Vertex, Salix, GlaxoSmithKline, and Tibotec.
