Interferon lambda 4 polymorphism affects on outcome of telaprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Aim The predictive value of the recently identified interferon‐λ ( IFNL )4 polymorphism on the outcome of telaprevir ( TVR ), pegylated interferon ( PEG IFN ) plus ribavirin ( RBV ) combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C is unknown. Methods We assessed predictive factors for sustained virological response ( SVR ) for TVR , PEG IFN plus RBV combination therapy in 283 genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients. IFNL 4 polymorphism ss469415590 was analyzed by I nvader assay. Results SVR rates for patients with IFNL 4 TT / TT genotype were significantly higher than for those with the IFNL 4 TT /Δ G or Δ G /Δ G genotypes (93% and 59%, respectively, P  < 0.0001). In a multivariate regression analysis, prior treatment history (treatment‐naïve patients or patients who relapsed during prior treatment) (odds ratio [ OR ], 2.385; P  = 0.028), rapid virological response ( OR , 6.800; P  < 0.0001) and ss469415590 TT / TT genotype ( OR , 8.064; P  < 0.0001) were identified as significant independent predictors for SVR . In patients with IFNL 4 TT /Δ G or Δ G /Δ G genotypes, SVR rates for non‐ RVR patients were significantly lower than RVR patients (22% and 75%, respectively, P  < 0.0001). Conclusion Analysis of IFNL 4 polymorphism is a valuable predictor in patients receiving TVR triple therapy.