http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/news/20070521/hepatitis-c-cures-now-common "Virus Wont Come Back
Those treatments include a long-acting version of the drug interferon, known as pegylated interferon, and the antiviral drug ribavirin.
The long-term follow-up study included 997 patients who achieved sustained virologic responses with pegylated interferon with or without ribavirin, meaning they had no evidence of the virus in their blood six months after treatment.
All but eight of the patients were still free of the virus an average of four years after treatment. Some patients were followed for as long as seven years.
Two of the eight patients showed evidence of a second HCV infection, and it was not clear if the remaining five relapsed or were reinfected.
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center chief of hepatology Mitchell Shiffman, MD, presented the follow-up data Monday in Washington at Digestive Disease Week, an annual meeting of liver and gastric disease specialists from around the world.
When we achieve sustained virologic responses, less than 1% of patients will get the virus back, he tells WebMD. We know the virus will not come back in a year or two or three. These patients are cured."
Barbara Lee said
Aug 17, 2011
What does S V R stand for????
Mano said
Aug 17, 2011
congratulations mate. im really happy for ya. and thanks for ur support too.
u made it :)
BJ said
Aug 7, 2011
Gidday James,
Don't know how I missed this, the 28th was my birthday so I was probably half cut blowing a million candles out and passing out:) You've done really well mate and deserve this result full-on. It's never easy doing tx and particularly now the "old" double combination tx in comparison to these new combination tx that are all the go now.
Like me you dragged out the days and weeks into the many months that tx is, and regardless of who did it the longest, we all get tested to the limit and you stood strong and defiant and won out against one of the most stubborn viruses going around these days.
You achieved UND much quicker than I did, and I am not normally as confident as I am in people overcoming stubborn viruses, as I am for you and I. Overcoming the HepC virus in the manner that you and I have, was not only overcome by medication alone, but also required an amnestic response from our own immune systems to build a memory, to complement the meds and completely lay the virus dead in the aisle.
It is commonly understood amongst immunologists that the virus will not return unless people that have beaten it return to previous habits of excessive drug and alcohol abuse that also usually includes high risk activity. In the study by Shiffman I believe it was, at least two of those that tested positive two years after attaining SVR had returned to high risk heroin use.
I use to drink an awful lot of alcohol, and actually did right up to starting tx, probably because I was **** scared. Now after doing the biopsy I admit I really regretted the final binge I had prior to starting tx, wondering how much that had affected my ability to fight he virus in say the first 12 weeks of tx. Now that tx is over and I also have attained SVR now (you beat me by more than a week, but I was always fussy:) I did have a couple of beers with my birthday celebratory meal and some beautiful red wine with the meal, and this weekend I've probably had 1/2 dozen cans of mid strength beer in celebratory drinks folowing my SVR last Friday just gone (5th). I don't intend to drink alcohol anything like I use to, and doubt if I'll even contemplate drinking spirits ever again, however I do intend to appreciate the odd bottle of fine red wine and probably one or two beers on Friday with the staff as is the norm.
I don't feel tempted to drink anything at all and certainly won't be making a habit of doing anything on a weekly "must-do" type of thing to be quite honest. I've spoken to my gastro mate and he reckons that won't make any difference providing I don't slide down to my old bottle of whisky a day type of thing, which sadly was not uncommon in my not so long ago past.
I guess I am writing this to you because first of all because I was worried I hadn't seen your SVR announcement and wondered when it would be. The second reason is because of the way you reacted to the brainless "I do hope it continues......" comment. Apart from the drugs, your body has mounted an amnestic response to the virus and should you be confronted with any residual virus antigen hidden away somewhere, that same response would clean it up. So to the "I hope it continues" yes it will, but that response is only really guarenteed against the genotype "mixture" that brewed within your body, but doesn;t afford you immunity against catching HepC from someone else later down the track. In regards to the "......." bit of the same comment I'd say try it and find out.
Don't worry about beating the virus for one day mate, if you behave yourself and I'm sure you will, you stand a far better chance of that than me and I'm never catching anything like that again.
Revel in the fact that you sir, have defeated HepC. Keep your nose clean up in those beautiful mountains you lucky bastard and you'll be screaming down the black runs for many a year to come.
Well done mate, we've got to get together sometime (not on ski's my knees are shot) and share a nice beer over a barbie somewhere.
Cheers,
Brendan.
Mashar said
Aug 7, 2011
Congratulations James! Wow your news is great and puts me in a happy mood. The wait must have been hard but now it was so worth it. May each day in life just get better.
hugs,
Mary
zebb37 said
Aug 6, 2011
fantastic news, well done!
morgan said
Aug 3, 2011
James
thats great news mine 6 months is not till the end of nov,it must be a great feeling i cant wait to here that news myself so happy for you,keep doing the good work you do here you help me a lot during tx all the best.
Morgan
Hep Me said
Aug 3, 2011
I know I already gave you congrats in a PM James, but was reading the posts and just had to say it again. Thanks for posting that info explaining SVR by the way, I knew the signifigance of it but never have read that before. Printed it out for a friend waiting to start tx in a few months.
As always, take care. Randy
BeccaJune said
Aug 2, 2011
James,
You are a hero to those of us that are just beginning this journey, and an example that it can be done. I am so happy for you. You have been given a new chance at a long healthy life. Nothing to do now but make the most of every glorious day!
Love and peace to you,
Becca
jrc209 said
Jul 31, 2011
Congrats man you have been a big help for me just in the few times we spoke
Cinnamon Girl said
Jul 29, 2011
Congrats again James, you are a Hero and a Champion!!
You have always been a rock for a lot of us who went thro` tx with you, we all know how difficult it got at times but I don`t think you ever complained, always looking out for others.
Wishing you a very healthy and happy life, get out there and LIVE life to the full!
So very happy for you.
Lots love, Jill xxx
Minerva said
Jul 29, 2011
Congrats again James!! Always great news and i'm happy to hear this.
All the best!!
Hugs
Heather xxx
britlitkaren said
Jul 29, 2011
I'm all emo and I don't even know you. But I'm having a grateful out loud crying jag. Thank God you DID it! I didn't know the bit about VCU. They don't know you either, all those men n women who stubbornly sat in their laboratories day after day. I thank them too. You've got ur life back buddy. Go enjoy it with all the passion and zeal of one who has been set free. If you were here I'd give you a big hug and then hop around shouting. Congratulations James!!!! You did it!!!
dragonfly said
Jul 29, 2011
So very happy for you. You fought a tough one. Dragonflyx
PJ said
Jul 29, 2011
FANTASTIC news James!!! You are a warrior and you WON :))))))
Hugs, PJ
Gnome gardener said
Jul 29, 2011
James,
I am so very happy for you...yes, treatment is tough and this is wonderful news! Forget about hcv and enjoy every second of your new life.
Hugs, J.
greenqueen said
Jul 29, 2011
That's great news, James! :party
Wishing you a very happy and healthy future
Love Steff xx
jan said
Jul 29, 2011
Great news to start the day with. FANTASTIC. Enjoy the rest of your life and put all this to the back of your mind. YOU DID IT. X
Jan x
James10500 said
Jul 29, 2011
Iris saying "I hope it continues" makes a person consider whether it will our not. I REALLY don't mean to give you grief but you have to consider that this is the time for me to stop thinking about HCV. We all know that there is a very small chance that I won't continue to be UND. But do you think I want to think about that now ?
I don't want to be harsh, but next time someone in the forum SVRs just say congrats.
Have a good night,
James
Iris Dragonfly said
Jul 28, 2011
dearest James I am sad that you don't accept my well wishes, where did I doubt you? I simply wished that this will continue for you, and I still do. I'm sure that you went thru hell... why do you think I am scared to death to try? SVR means you are sustained, does that not mean you continue to be undetectable? Honestly dear your breaking my heart, I wish nothing but the very best for you. I just wanted to be happy for you as well, even though I wasn't here for your ordeal, please don't let whatever you don't like about me get in the way of well wishes. Do enjoy your good news, if I were you I'd be at the top of one of those gorgeous Rocky Mt's, screaming F-YES I did It. Iris
James10500 said
Jul 28, 2011
Thanks Beth, couldn't have done it w/o you !!!
xoxox
James
bethland said
Jul 28, 2011
Awesome James we did it .......yep it was dam hard ..far as i am concerned we are winners and are cured ..You have been a wonderful anchor on this board and a great help to me ..love ya to bits dont let anyone bring you down...Elizabeth
James10500 said
Jul 28, 2011
Iris,
I really do not appreciate you raising doubt as to whether I'm cured of Hep C. I just went through the worst 15 months of my life, and I can't even enjoy the fact I achieved SVR for one day without you raising doubt !
-- Edited by James10500 on Friday 29th of July 2011 03:35:55 AM
James10500 said
Jul 28, 2011
Evidence for a Cure
In order for a sustained viral response to be called a cure, the inability to detect Hepatitis C six months after treatment completion must be permanent. Unfortunately, only time and repeated testing can confirm the permanence of viral absence.
Hope for pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy representing a Hepatitis C cure took root in the Spring of 2007. In a study led by Mitchell Shiffman, M.D., professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine, and chief of Hepatology and medical director of the Liver Transplant Program at the VCU Medical Center, nearly 1,000 patients were followed for up to seven years after they achieved a sustained viral response. Their results were the most encouraging thus far that Hepatitis C is curable.
According to Shiffman, "The use of peg-interferon alone, or in combination with ribavirin, points to a cure for Hepatitis C. This paper strongly suggests, for the first time, that Hepatitis C is a curable disease. After treatment, 99.6 % of the patients remained virus undetectable for over five years." In Schiffman's study, eight patients who achieved sustained viral response tested positive for Hepatitis C at an average of two years following treatment completion. However, it is unknown why this occurred.
James10500 said
Jul 28, 2011
Iris do you know what SVR means ? No trying to be a jerk, just trying to help you understand what it is.
James
Iris Dragonfly said
Jul 28, 2011
Good news James, I do hope it continues.... Blessings, Iris
ty said
Jul 28, 2011
Congratulations again James! You alsohave been a huge support to me through tx and the waiting afterwards. No, it isn't any fun but you made it through. Like you, I'm pulling for Greg and Dee to get the new stuff and beat this dragon as well. Take care buddy, ty
Greg said
Jul 28, 2011
Hi James,
Congratulations mate well done, I'm so happy for you, now get on that bike and ride like the wind. All the very best, Greg and Cate
tobytucker said
Jul 28, 2011
Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you!
James10500 said
Jul 28, 2011
I SVR'd this week......
To those on tx, it was tough, I hated tx ! But you can do it, and it's all worth it !
To those who were taken off tx Greg, and Dee you are the true heroes. The ones who are going to get up off the mat, take IP's and win !
Thanks to everyone here for your help, support, and understanding. I could not have done it without YOU !
Bless you all,
James
Thank you James.
Sustained Virological Response
http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/news/20070521/hepatitis-c-cures-now-common
"Virus Wont Come Back
Those treatments include a long-acting version of the drug interferon, known as pegylated interferon, and the antiviral drug ribavirin.
The long-term follow-up study included 997 patients who achieved sustained virologic responses with pegylated interferon with or without ribavirin, meaning they had no evidence of the virus in their blood six months after treatment.
All but eight of the patients were still free of the virus an average of four years after treatment. Some patients were followed for as long as seven years.
Two of the eight patients showed evidence of a second HCV infection, and it was not clear if the remaining five relapsed or were reinfected.
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center chief of hepatology Mitchell Shiffman, MD, presented the follow-up data Monday in Washington at Digestive Disease Week, an annual meeting of liver and gastric disease specialists from around the world.
When we achieve sustained virologic responses, less than 1% of patients will get the virus back, he tells WebMD. We know the virus will not come back in a year or two or three. These patients are cured."
What does S V R stand for????
congratulations mate. im really happy for ya. and thanks for ur support too.
u made it :)
Gidday James,
Don't know how I missed this, the 28th was my birthday so I was probably half cut blowing a million candles out and passing out:) You've done really well mate and deserve this result full-on. It's never easy doing tx and particularly now the "old" double combination tx in comparison to these new combination tx that are all the go now.
Like me you dragged out the days and weeks into the many months that tx is, and regardless of who did it the longest, we all get tested to the limit and you stood strong and defiant and won out against one of the most stubborn viruses going around these days.
You achieved UND much quicker than I did, and I am not normally as confident as I am in people overcoming stubborn viruses, as I am for you and I. Overcoming the HepC virus in the manner that you and I have, was not only overcome by medication alone, but also required an amnestic response from our own immune systems to build a memory, to complement the meds and completely lay the virus dead in the aisle.
It is commonly understood amongst immunologists that the virus will not return unless people that have beaten it return to previous habits of excessive drug and alcohol abuse that also usually includes high risk activity. In the study by Shiffman I believe it was, at least two of those that tested positive two years after attaining SVR had returned to high risk heroin use.
I use to drink an awful lot of alcohol, and actually did right up to starting tx, probably because I was **** scared. Now after doing the biopsy I admit I really regretted the final binge I had prior to starting tx, wondering how much that had affected my ability to fight he virus in say the first 12 weeks of tx. Now that tx is over and I also have attained SVR now (you beat me by more than a week, but I was always fussy:) I did have a couple of beers with my birthday celebratory meal and some beautiful red wine with the meal, and this weekend I've probably had 1/2 dozen cans of mid strength beer in celebratory drinks folowing my SVR last Friday just gone (5th). I don't intend to drink alcohol anything like I use to, and doubt if I'll even contemplate drinking spirits ever again, however I do intend to appreciate the odd bottle of fine red wine and probably one or two beers on Friday with the staff as is the norm.
I don't feel tempted to drink anything at all and certainly won't be making a habit of doing anything on a weekly "must-do" type of thing to be quite honest. I've spoken to my gastro mate and he reckons that won't make any difference providing I don't slide down to my old bottle of whisky a day type of thing, which sadly was not uncommon in my not so long ago past.
I guess I am writing this to you because first of all because I was worried I hadn't seen your SVR announcement and wondered when it would be. The second reason is because of the way you reacted to the brainless "I do hope it continues......" comment. Apart from the drugs, your body has mounted an amnestic response to the virus and should you be confronted with any residual virus antigen hidden away somewhere, that same response would clean it up. So to the "I hope it continues" yes it will, but that response is only really guarenteed against the genotype "mixture" that brewed within your body, but doesn;t afford you immunity against catching HepC from someone else later down the track. In regards to the "......." bit of the same comment I'd say try it and find out.
Don't worry about beating the virus for one day mate, if you behave yourself and I'm sure you will, you stand a far better chance of that than me and I'm never catching anything like that again.
Revel in the fact that you sir, have defeated HepC. Keep your nose clean up in those beautiful mountains you lucky bastard and you'll be screaming down the black runs for many a year to come.
Cheers,
Brendan.
Congratulations James! Wow your news is great and puts me in a happy mood. The wait must have been hard but now it was so worth it.
May each day in life just get better.
hugs,
Mary
fantastic news, well done!
James
thats great news mine 6 months is not till the end of nov,it must be a great feeling i cant wait to here that news myself so happy for you,keep doing the good work you do here you help me a lot during tx all the best.
Morgan
I know I already gave you congrats in a PM James, but was reading the posts and just had to say it again.
Thanks for posting that info explaining SVR by the way, I knew the signifigance of it but never have read that before. Printed it out for a friend waiting to start tx in a few months.
As always, take care.
Randy
James,
You are a hero to those of us that are just beginning this journey, and an example that it can be done. I am so happy for you. You have been given a new chance at a long healthy life. Nothing to do now but make the most of every glorious day!
Love and peace to you,
Becca
Congrats man you have been a big help for me just in the few times we spoke
Congrats again James, you are a Hero and a Champion!!
You have always been a rock for a lot of us who went thro` tx with you, we all know how difficult it got at times but I don`t think you ever complained, always looking out for others.
Wishing you a very healthy and happy life, get out there and LIVE life to the full!
So very happy for you.
Lots love, Jill xxx
Congrats again James!!
Always great news and i'm happy to hear this.
All the best!!
Hugs
Heather xxx
So very happy for you. You fought a tough one. Dragonflyx
Hugs, PJ
That's great news, James!
:party
Wishing you a very happy and healthy future
Love Steff xx
Great news to start the day with. FANTASTIC. Enjoy the rest of your life and put all this to the back of your mind. YOU DID IT. X
Jan x
I don't want to be harsh, but next time someone in the forum SVRs just say congrats.
Have a good night,
James
dearest James I am sad that you don't accept my well wishes, where did I doubt you? I simply wished that this will continue for you, and I still do. I'm sure that you went thru hell... why do you think I am scared to death to try? SVR means you are sustained, does that not mean you continue to be undetectable? Honestly dear your breaking my heart, I wish nothing but the very best for you. I just wanted to be happy for you as well, even though I wasn't here for your ordeal, please don't let whatever you don't like about me get in the way of well wishes. Do enjoy your good news, if I were you I'd be at the top of one of those gorgeous Rocky Mt's, screaming F-YES I did It. Iris
Thanks Beth, couldn't have done it w/o you !!!
xoxox
James
Awesome James we did it .......yep it was dam hard ..far as i am concerned we are winners and are cured ..You have been a wonderful anchor on this board and a great help to me ..love ya to bits dont let anyone bring you down...Elizabeth
Iris,
I really do not appreciate you raising doubt as to whether I'm cured of Hep C. I just went through the worst 15 months of my life, and I can't even enjoy the fact I achieved SVR for one day without you raising doubt !
-- Edited by James10500 on Friday 29th of July 2011 03:35:55 AM
James
Good news James, I do hope it continues.... Blessings, Iris
Congratulations again James! You alsohave been a huge support to me through tx and the waiting afterwards. No, it isn't any fun but you made it through. Like you, I'm pulling for Greg and Dee to get the new stuff and beat this dragon as well. Take care buddy, ty
Hi James,
Congratulations mate well done, I'm so happy for you, now get on that bike and ride like the wind.
All the very best,
Greg and Cate