I have been diagnosed with Hep C genotype 3a. My liver enzymes have been running 5 to 6 times high normal and my viral load is >7million. I hope to begin my first TX experience within months using pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. I am a 57 y. o. male and may have been first infected more than 30 years ago. Can you tell me what the prognosis of the above TX might be for me--what the percentage of TX success might be for my situation?

People with genotypes 2 or 3 have a higher sustained response rate (60-70%) to treatment than genotype 1 (20-30%). A sustained response is defined as an undetectable viral load 6-12 months after finishing treatment. However other factors such as stage of fibrosis or cirrhosis, viral load, age, gender, duration of disease and excessive alcohol consumption also influence treatment response.