Patients with chronic hepatitis C
We are the very first medical institution in Asia to implement personalized treatment for chronic hepatitis C. This individualized regimen is designed based on the patient's viral genotype, rapid virological response (RVR), early virological response (EVR), and baseline viral load. By tailoring the therapy to each individual, we maximize treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Pioneer: Nation's first independent department in gastroenterology
Epidemiology: Identified high-prevalence "HCV villages" in southern Taiwan
Leadership: First in Taiwan & Asia to adopt personalized CHC treatment
Tailored Regimen: Based on genotype, RVR, EVR, and baseline viral load
Patient Care: Dedicated nurse educators providing individualized education
Multidisciplinary Team: Combined care from Hepatology, Psychiatry, Nephrology, Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, and Social Work
Equipment: 4 state-of-the-art ultrasound machines
Medical Team: 10 attendings, 2 consultants, 2 part-time attendings
Support Staff: 3 liver disease education nurses
Conventional IFN therapy SVR: 20%–40%
PegIFN + Ribavirin combination SVR: >80%
RVR positive predictive value for SVR: 80%–90%
Discontinuation rate: Lower than global data (16.2%) and extended regimen rates (25%)
Personalized treatment allows patients who do not require a longer regimen to shorten their course of therapy. This minimizes the discomfort caused by side effects and naturally reduces treatment discontinuation rates.
Approximately 9.0% of patients discontinued treatment in this study, compared to a 16.2% discontinuation rate reported in foreign literature, which can escalate to as high as 25% when therapy is extended to 48 weeks.
Patient Education Satisfaction Survey (Nov 2007 – May 2008)
Target: Patients undergoing individualized HCV treatment
Results: "Satisfied" and "Very Satisfied" ratings comprised 91%–97% of total responses
The research findings were published in a top-tier gastroenterology journal, gaining widespread recognition and validation from medical experts both domestically and internationally.
Yu ML et al. 2007 A randomised study of peginterferon and ribavirin for 16 vs 24 weeks in patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C. Gut 56:553-9. (2007SCI, IF: 10.015, Gastroenterology & Hepatology: 3/50= 6.0%)
Yu ML et al. 2008 Rapid Virological Response and Treatment Duration for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Patients: A Randomized Trial. Hepatology 47:1884-93 (2007SCI, IF: 10.734, Gastroenterology & Hepatology: 2/50= 4.0%)
Personalized treatment for low viral load patients: Reduces side effects + significantly lowers medical costs → Triple-win for patients, society, & healthcare system
HCV-1 Cost-Effectiveness: Avg. NT$/SVR is $387,924 (vs. $419,240 for standard 48-wk therapy) → Saves NT$29,316 per SVR
HCV-2 Cost-Effectiveness: Avg. NT$/SVR is $124,320 (vs. $174,315 for standard 24-wk therapy) → Saves NT$47,995 per SVR
Guideline Integration: Adopted by the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) in 2008 HCV recommendations
