PEG-interferon and ribavirin and the IL28B gene
Your individual likelihood of successful combination therapy with PEG-interferon and ribavirin may be partly explained by genetic variations.
It is known, for example, that mutations in the IL28B gene may be partly responsible. The IL28B gene is involved in the immune response to certain viruses, including hepatitis C. If you are IL28B positive, a successful treatment is significantly less likely than if you are IL28B negative.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to combination therapy with PEG-interferon and ribavirin.
Read more about IFNL3 (IL28B) »