A new genetic
test developed by Celera Genomics can help identify which
hepatitis C patients are most at risk of developing liver
scarring, which boosts the risks for liver disease and
liver cancer, helping doctors better decide which
patients should endure the difficult course of
anti-hepatitis drugs, The New York
Times reports. In addition to being
expensive, hepatitis treatments can cause a variety of
adverse side effects, including fever, depression, and
severe fatigue. Only about 20% of hepatitis C patients
will develop cirrhosis, but most patients are
prescribed anti-hepatitis drugs because it has been
impossible to determine which were at the highest risk
for the condition.
But Celera
researchers have developed a test that looks for seven
common genetic variations linked with cirrhosis.
Previous studies have shown hepatitis C patients with
any of the genetic variations had higher risks of
developing cirrhosis, in some cases more than six times the
chances of those without the variations. A study of
the Celera test among 448 longtime hepatitis C
patients showed it identified most of those who
had developed the condition.
Celera hopes to
be able to license the test before the end of the year.
(The Advocate)