Peginterferon alpha-2a (40kD) [Pegasys(R)] Improves HR-QOL Outcomes Compared with Unmodified Interferon alpha-2a [Roferon(R)-A]: In Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Background: Use of unmodified interferon alpha-2a in chronic hepatitis C is associated with impaired health-related quality of life during therapy. Treatment with peginterferon alpha-2a (40kD) provides an improved sustained response over unmodified interferon alpha-2a. Objectives: To compare health-related quality of life during treatment for patients receiving peginterferon alpha-2a (40kD) [Pegasys(R)] versus unmodified interferon alpha-2a [Roferon(R)]. Design: A randomised, international, multicentre, open-label, parallel group study. Setting: 36 centres worldwide. Patients: Interferon-naive patients (n = 531) with chronic hepatitis C. Interventions: Peginterferon alpha-2a (40kD) 180mug once a week (n = 267) for 48 weeks or unmodified interferon alpha-2a 6 million IU three times a week for 12 weeks followed by 36 weeks of 3 million IU three times a week (n = 264). Measurements: Fatigue Severity Scale and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results: At weeks 2 and 12, differences favouring peginterferon alpha-2a (40kD) were seen on seven of eight domains and both summary scores of the SF-36 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). At weeks 2, 12 and 24, patients receiving peginterferon alpha-2a (40kD) had less disabling fatigue (p < 0.01) than those receiving unmodified interferon alpha-2a. Conclusion: Treatment with peginterferon alpha-2a (40kD) is associated with less disabling fatigue and less impairment in patient functioning and well-being during treatment than unmodified interferon alpha-2a. In addition to safety and efficacy, the impact on health-related quality of life may be an important consideration for physicians when selecting an optimal treatment regimen.