Hepatitis C, Medication Adherence
Conditions
Keywords
addiction, Adherence (attribute), Adverse effects, Agonist, Antiviral Agents, arm, base, care delivery, Caring, Chronic Hepatitis C, Clinic, Clinical Trials, Complex, Computer Simulation, cost, cost effective, cost effectiveness, Data, Development, Directly Observed Therapy, Disease, Dose, Drug resistance, drug resistant virus, Educational aspects, Epidemic, experience, Frequencies (time pattern), Fright, Genotype, Group Therapy, Health Care Costs, Health Personnel, Healthcare Systems, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis C Prevalence, Hepatitis C Transmission, Hepatitis C virus, HIV, Homelessness, improved, Incidence, Infection, Injecting drug user, Injection of therapeutic agent, Intensive Care, Interferons, Intervention, Knowledge, Life, Liver diseases, Liver Failure, liver transplantation, Living Costs, Mental disorders, Methadone, methadone clinic/center, Modeling, Mortality Vital Statistics, Motivation, multidisciplinary, Opiates, Oral, Outcome, Patients, Persons, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Physicians, pill (pharmacologic), Play, Poverty, Primary Health Care, programs, Psychiatric therapeutic procedure, psychosocial, Publishing, Quality-Adjusted Life Years, Randomized, Randomized Controlled Trials, randomized trial, Recruitment Activity, Regimen, Resistance, Resistance development, response, Risk, risk perception, Role, Site, skills, Social support, standard care, substance abuse treatment, success, Time, Treatment outcome, Treatment Protocols, treatment site, Trust, United States, Viral, Virus
Brief summary
Injection drug users (IDUs) constitute 60% of the approximately 5 million people in the U.S. infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV treatment leading to sustained viral response (SVR) is associated with increased survival. However, IDUs have had poor access to HCV care and their success in HCV treatment has been limited. With direct-acting antiviral agents, HCV treatment delivered within large clinical trials leads to SVR or cure in over 70% of genotype-1 infected patients, compared to 45% with previous therapies. However, SVR rates are as low as 14% in real-world settings. The majority of patients who fail to achieve SVR will develop drug resistance, but the optimal adherence level to minimize resistance is unknown. If HCV treatment continues to be delivered within current models of care, most IDUs will not only fail treatment and develop resistance, but may transmit resistant viruses to others. We have previously developed a multidisciplinary model of HCV care which integrates on-site primary care, substance abuse treatment, psychiatric care, and HCV-related care within opiate agonist treatment clinics. To maximize treatment outcomes, we piloted two models of intensive HCV-related care: directly observed therapy (DOT), and concurrent group therapy (CGT). In our DOT model, pegylated interferon is administered once weekly, if applicable, and one daily dose of oral medication is administered at the methadone window. In our CGT model, patients initiate HCV treatment within a once weekly treatment group which provides powerful social support to mitigate fears of side effects, promote efficient education, and deliver weekly injections, if applicable. It is unknown whether either model is better or more cost-effective than standard on-site care. PREVAIL 1: In the proposed study, 150 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotype 1) will be recruited from methadone clinics and randomized to one of three models of care: DOT; concurrent group treatment; or standard on-site care. Our specific aims are: 1) To determine whether either of two intensive on-site HCV treatment models (DOT or concurrent group treatment) is more efficacious than standard on-site treatment for enhancing adherence and SVR, and decreasing drug resistance; (2) To determine the incidence and factors associated with the development of drug resistance in IDUs; (3) To perform cost and cost-effectiveness analyses of each model; (4) To examine the impact of HIV coinfection on adherence and virologic outcomes among HCV-infected IDUs. PREVAIL 2: In the proposed study, 60 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotypes 1 2, 3 and 4) will be recruited from opiate agonist treatment programs and started on HCV treatment. Subjects will be offered the choice of model of care (either standard on-site, DOT, or concurrent group treatment). Our specific aims are: (1) to determine rates of adherence and SVR in a cohort of opiate agonist treatment patients initiating treatment with sofosbuvir-based regimens and (2) to determine adherence rates over time in drug users (genotype 3 and genotype 1 / IFN-ineligible) initiating a 24 week IFN-free regimen. PREVAIL 3: In the proposed study, 60 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotype 1 and 4) will be recruited from opiate agonist treatment programs and started on HCV treatment. Subjects will be offered the choice of model of care (either standard on-site, DOT, or concurrent group treatment). Our specific aims are: (1) to determine rates of adherence and SVR in a cohort of opiate agonist treatment patients initiating treatment with oral DAA combination of sofosbuvir and simeprevir or fixed dose of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir and (2) to determine adherence rates over time in drug users.
Detailed description
PREVAIL 1: In the proposed study, 150 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotype 1) will be recruited from methadone clinics and randomized to one of three models of care: DOT; concurrent group treatment; or standard on-site care. Our specific aims are: 1) To determine whether either of two intensive on-site HCV treatment models (DOT or concurrent group treatment) is more efficacious than standard on-site treatment for enhancing adherence and SVR, and decreasing drug resistance; (2) To determine the incidence and factors associated with the development of drug resistance in IDUs; (3) To perform cost and cost-effectiveness analyses of each model; (4) To examine the impact of HIV coinfection on adherence and virologic outcomes among HCV-infected IDUs. PREVAIL 2: In the proposed study, 60 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotypes 1 2, 3 and 4) will be recruited from opiate agonist treatment programs and started on HCV treatment. Subjects will be offered the choice of model of care (either standard on-site, DOT, or concurrent group treatment). Our specific aims are: (1) to determine rates of adherence and SVR in a cohort of opiate agonist treatment patients initiating treatment with sofosbuvir-based regimens and (2) to determine adherence rates over time in drug users (genotype 3 and genotype 1 / IFN-ineligible) initiating a 24 week IFN-free regimen. PREVAIL 3: In the proposed study, 60 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotype 1 and 4) will be recruited from opiate agonist treatment programs and started on HCV treatment. Subjects will be offered the choice of model of care (either standard on-site, DOT, or concurrent group treatment). Our specific aims are: (1) to determine rates of adherence and SVR in a cohort of opiate agonist treatment patients initiating treatment with oral DAA combination of sofosbuvir and simeprevir or fixed dose of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir and (2) to determine adherence rates over time in drug users.
Interventions
Modified Directly Observed therapy (mDOT) and concurrent group treatment (CGT) are on-site HCV treatment models.
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Eligibility Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and older Genders Eligible for Study: Both PREVAIL 1: Inclusion Criteria: * HCV-infected, Genotype-1 * Treatment naïve or treatment experienced patients * Willing to receive HCV treatment on-site * Initiating treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) with or without ribavirin +/- pegylated interferon alfa-2a * Receiving methadone or buprenorphine in clinic at least one time per week * Age 18 or older * Able to provide informed consent * Psychiatrically stable * English or Spanish speaking * Currently enrolled in a methadone or buprenorphine treatment program in the designated clinics in the Bronx (Melrose, Port Morris, Waters Place)
Exclusion criteria
* Known hypersensitivity (allergy) to interferon, ribavirin or DAA * Psychiatrically unstable * Pregnant or breast-feeding PREVAIL 2: Inclusion Criteria: * HCV-infected, Genotype-1, , 2, 3, or 4 * Willing to receive HCV treatment on-site at an opiate agonist treatment program. * Initiating treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin +/- pegylated interferon alfa-2a * Age 18 or older * Able to provide informed consent * English or Spanish speaking * Currently a patient in one of the designated clinics in the Bronx (Melrose, Port Morris, Waters Place)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence | 1-12 weeks | Hepatitis C medication adherence will be measured using electronic blister pack monitoring. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sustained Virologic Response | 12 weeks after treatment completion | Undetectable HCV RNA at posttreatment week 12. |
| HCV Treatment Completion | Up to 48 weeks | Completion of ≥80% of the planned treatment course. For example, ≥10 wk of a 12-wk course, or ≥20 wk of a 24-wk course. |
Countries
United States
Participant flow
Recruitment details
Hepatitis C virus-infected PWID from 3 OAT programs in Bronx, New York, were enrolled beginning in October 2013, and participants were followed until April 2017. Potential participants were referred by clinicians if they were eligible for HCV treatment on the basis of guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and Infectious Diseases Society of America (AASLD/IDSA). Eligibility was assessed by an oral screener and a confirmatory chart review.
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT) In our mDOT model, pegylated interferon is administered once weekly, and one daily dose of oral medication is administered at the methadone window.
Intensive Models (mDOT and CGT) of HCV Care: Modified Directly Observed therapy (mDOT) and concurrent group treatment (CGT) are on-site HCV treatment models. | 51 |
| Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT) In our CGT model, patients initiate HCV treatment within a once weekly treatment group which provides social support to mitigate fears of side effects, promote efficient education, and deliver weekly injections.
Intensive Models (mDOT and CGT) of HCV Care: Modified Directly Observed therapy (mDOT) and concurrent group treatment (CGT) are on-site HCV treatment models. | 48 |
| Treatment as Usual In the TAU arm, subjects will receive all medications monthly (or more often as needed) at the clinic.
Intensive Models (mDOT and CGT) of HCV Care: Modified Directly Observed therapy (mDOT) and concurrent group treatment (CGT) are on-site HCV treatment models. | 51 |
| Total | 150 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT) | Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT) | Treatment as Usual | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Continuous | 51.4 Years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10 | 51.2 Years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11 | 51.0 Years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11 | 51.2 Years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11 |
| Alcohol use to intoxication (30 days before baseline) | 13 Participants | 11 Participants | 12 Participants | 36 Participants |
| Cirrhosis | 15 Participants | 16 Participants | 10 Participants | 41 Participants |
| Comorbid psychiatric conditions Any | 20 participants | 22 participants | 25 participants | 67 participants |
| Comorbid psychiatric conditions Current manic episode | 1 participants | 6 participants | 4 participants | 11 participants |
| Comorbid psychiatric conditions Generalized anxiety disorder | 8 participants | 10 participants | 10 participants | 28 participants |
| Comorbid psychiatric conditions Major depressive episode | 11 participants | 15 participants | 12 participants | 38 participants |
| Comorbid psychiatric conditions Psychotic disorder | 12 participants | 17 participants | 20 participants | 49 participants |
| DAA regimen SOF/IFN/RBV | 5 Participants | 3 Participants | 7 Participants | 15 Participants |
| DAA regimen SOF/LDV | 31 Participants | 38 Participants | 35 Participants | 104 Participants |
| DAA regimen SOF/RBV | 9 Participants | 3 Participants | 5 Participants | 17 Participants |
| DAA regimen SOF/SMV | 5 Participants | 2 Participants | 4 Participants | 11 Participants |
| DAA regimen TVR/IFN/RBV | 1 Participants | 2 Participants | 0 Participants | 3 Participants |
| Depression (PHQ-9) Moderate or severe | 18 Participants | 15 Participants | 20 Participants | 53 Participants |
| Depression (PHQ-9) None or mild | 33 Participants | 33 Participants | 31 Participants | 97 Participants |
| Employment Status Employed | 8 Participants | 10 Participants | 10 Participants | 28 Participants |
| Employment Status Unemployed | 43 Participants | 38 Participants | 41 Participants | 122 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Hispanic or Latino | 31 Participants | 24 Participants | 29 Participants | 84 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Not Hispanic or Latino | 20 Participants | 24 Participants | 22 Participants | 66 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| HCV subtype 1a | 43 participants | 41 participants | 44 participants | 128 participants |
| HCV subtype 1b | 8 participants | 7 participants | 7 participants | 22 participants |
| HIV/HCV co-infection | 6 Participants | 6 Participants | 9 Participants | 21 Participants |
| Homelessness Homeless | 9 Participants | 10 Participants | 15 Participants | 34 Participants |
| Homelessness Housed | 42 Participants | 38 Participants | 36 Participants | 116 Participants |
| IL28B Genotype CC | 9 Participants | 11 Participants | 13 Participants | 33 Participants |
| IL28B Genotype TC | 26 Participants | 26 Participants | 27 Participants | 79 Participants |
| IL28B Genotype TT | 16 Participants | 11 Participants | 11 Participants | 38 Participants |
| Injection drug use | 38 Participants | 40 Participants | 35 Participants | 113 Participants |
| Marital Status Married (Living with partner) | 18 Participants | 21 Participants | 16 Participants | 55 Participants |
| Marital Status Not Married | 33 Participants | 27 Participants | 35 Participants | 95 Participants |
| Opioid agonist pick-up schedule 1-3 per week | 6 Participants | 12 Participants | 14 Participants | 32 Participants |
| Opioid agonist pick-up schedule 4-6 per week | 45 Participants | 36 Participants | 37 Participants | 118 Participants |
| Opioid agonist therapy Buprenorphine | 0 participants | 1 participants | 2 participants | 3 participants |
| Opioid agonist therapy Methadone | 51 participants | 47 participants | 49 participants | 147 participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) American Indian or Alaska Native | 1 Participants | 3 Participants | 1 Participants | 5 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Asian | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Black or African American | 12 Participants | 13 Participants | 13 Participants | 38 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) More than one race | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 1 Participants | 1 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 32 Participants | 27 Participants | 32 Participants | 91 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) White | 6 Participants | 5 Participants | 4 Participants | 15 Participants |
| Region of Enrollment United States | 51 participants | 48 participants | 51 participants | 150 participants |
| Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline) Amphetamines | 3 Participants | 0 Participants | 1 Participants | 4 Participants |
| Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline) Cocaine | 12 Participants | 12 Participants | 12 Participants | 36 Participants |
| Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline) Heroin | 9 Participants | 9 Participants | 10 Participants | 28 Participants |
| Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline) Other opioids/analgesics | 10 Participants | 8 Participants | 15 Participants | 33 Participants |
| Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline) Sedative/hypnotics/tranquilizers | 9 Participants | 12 Participants | 12 Participants | 33 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 18 Participants | 16 Participants | 19 Participants | 53 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 33 Participants | 32 Participants | 32 Participants | 97 Participants |
| Treatment experienced | 43 Participants | 6 Participants | 6 Participants | 55 Participants |
| Urine Drug Screen (6 mo before baseline) Any Drug | 34 Number of participants | 34 Number of participants | 30 Number of participants | 98 Number of participants |
| Urine Drug Screen (6 mo before baseline) Benzodiazepines | 15 Number of participants | 15 Number of participants | 13 Number of participants | 43 Number of participants |
| Urine Drug Screen (6 mo before baseline) Cocaine | 24 Number of participants | 23 Number of participants | 24 Number of participants | 71 Number of participants |
| Urine Drug Screen (6 mo before baseline) Opioids | 23 Number of participants | 26 Number of participants | 21 Number of participants | 70 Number of participants |
| Urine drug screen (at baseline) Amphetamines | 0 participants | 0 participants | 0 participants | 0 participants |
| Urine drug screen (at baseline) Any drug | 26 participants | 23 participants | 25 participants | 74 participants |
| Urine drug screen (at baseline) Benzodiazepines | 9 participants | 4 participants | 10 participants | 23 participants |
| Urine drug screen (at baseline) Cocaine | 17 participants | 11 participants | 16 participants | 44 participants |
| Urine drug screen (at baseline) Opioids/oxycodone | 12 participants | 14 participants | 11 participants | 37 participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk | EG002 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 51 | 1 / 48 | 1 / 51 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 1 / 51 | 3 / 48 | 5 / 51 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 51 | 0 / 48 | 0 / 51 |
Outcome results
Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence
Hepatitis C medication adherence will be measured using electronic blister pack monitoring.
Time frame: 1-12 weeks
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT) | Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence | 86 Percentage of medication taken |
| Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT) | Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence | 80 Percentage of medication taken |
| Treatment as Usual | Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence | 75 Percentage of medication taken |
HCV Treatment Completion
Completion of ≥80% of the planned treatment course. For example, ≥10 wk of a 12-wk course, or ≥20 wk of a 24-wk course.
Time frame: Up to 48 weeks
| Arm | Measure | Value (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS) |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT) | HCV Treatment Completion | 50 Participants |
| Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT) | HCV Treatment Completion | 47 Participants |
| Treatment as Usual | HCV Treatment Completion | 48 Participants |
Sustained Virologic Response
Undetectable HCV RNA at posttreatment week 12.
Time frame: 12 weeks after treatment completion
| Arm | Measure | Value (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS) |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT) | Sustained Virologic Response | 50 Participants |
| Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT) | Sustained Virologic Response | 45 Participants |
| Treatment as Usual | Sustained Virologic Response | 46 Participants |