IL28b genetic testing, what, when, where and how

[merryBe]

genetic testing...the new buzz word.  IL28b, the gene that tells the tale.

Find out if you have the genes to fight this disease.

Find out if your body will work with or against the chemo drugs by having one simple test, this could revolutionize our treatment decisions.

IL28b works on the Interlukin lambna, a cytokine with antiviral components.

I'm still waiting to see when they work out the kinks and start offering testing across the board.

This is a thread I'd like to see get stuff added to as it comes up.

here's a good primer for thos not yet familiar.

http://hepatitiscnewdrugs.blogspot.com/2010/03/il28b-gene-variation-predicts-response.html

If anybody knows where testing can be obtained post it here please.
What's the cost?
Did your insurance approve the test?
Does your doctor want to see testing etc.

Post any and all relevant info please.

mb

[Cory255]

HCV empidemics.  I have no clue what that is.  Thanks for the information.  

[merryBe]

this thread is continued on another thread:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/From-Merrys-IL28b-posting/show/1297649


Cory, long ago there must have been HCV epidemics... (not that today there isn't) since 1 billion people have one form of infectious hepatitis or another...1 in 6 people)

but long ago there was probably an epidemic which gave certain populaces immunities at the genetic level. Meaning their response to whatever form the disease was in then left them with permanently altered alleles in their genetic code. This interleukin 28 b code change means those with the altered genes have good little cytokines (proteins) that help the immune responses...and ergo we stand a better chance at responding to drug therapy, and of overcoming mutations that may develop as a result of treatment with the changes.  The changed alleles are the CT and CC combos, the TT is the original coding. Evidently the epidemic did not hit the African continent, and this is why most of African decent have the TT combo and thus have less success treating than those whose genes adapted due to past exposures.
    The IL28b test will help a patient and doctor determine if a PI, or other more powerful drug is really needed. (each added drug does entail additional risk) and it will also help patients to determine whether it is better to cut ones losses (discontinue tx) and live to fight another day (when better treatments are available.  This will be particularly useful to those in the TT category who are slow responders...kowing that genetically your chances have just dropped to say 5%, not the 50% first promised, might help some folks to make better treatment decisions AND, assuming that retreatment becomes more of an issue (insurances are already balking at treating more than once), it would make sense to really look at ones chances with a given regime very closely before proceeding.  I would liken this to giving someone with 20/400 eyesight a 20/20 correction. If the genetics are accurate predictors then we need to taylor treatments to work with the persons genes and not against them.

Cory, all the drugs we take can have similar issues. The day is coming when your tx regime will be tested on your own genes in a petre dish to see if the tx will help you or be toxic and kill you...and it will be done before you even take your first pill or shot!! Although we have lots in common, even little differences in our individual coding can spell the difference between life and death.

[Cory255]

Genes are considered to be your hereditary information, it contains information about your hair color, height, etc, etc.  Genes ultimatley detemine what you will look like.  These very short segments tie into being part of your DNA.  Your genetic information is inside your DNA which is shaped like a Double Helix.  Inside this double helix in a very particular place, your genes make up a spot on your chromosomes.  There are dominant and recessive genes that play a big role in detemining your actual traits.  Let's say hypothetically both of your parents have brown hair.  You could have blond hair if both of your parents pass down the recessive gene.  You would have brown hair if at least one parent passed down a dominant gene.  The human body has an estimated number of genes close to 25,000.  Your genetic combination is practically an unlimited amount of possibilities from your parents.  There are 8 million possible different combinations.  Your genes determine what you will look like.  Genotype can be referred to as someone's genetic re-structure.  Phenotype is someone's personal characteristics.      

merryBe: What's this IL28b testing all about?  I've never heard of it?  

[Bali05]

that`s great .
only have one question , can the insurance company decide not to pay
for treatment should this test be of unfavourable  result?

[Gee704]

LabCorp just announced testing for the IL28b gene.

Here is a link: http://people.genome.duke.edu/~dg48/L8464-0710-Service-Announcement-FINAL.pdf

[Bali05]

thank you for all the information
see you when you get back

b