AEGiS-ATN: Induction/Maintenance Strategy Failed in U.S., French Trials

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Induction/Maintenance Strategy Failed in U.S., French Trials

AIDS TREATMENT NEWS Issue #306, November 6, 1998
John S. James

Two similar trials, one in the U.S. and one in France, tried switching patients to less-intensive treatment after triple combination therapy had reduced viral load to a relatively low level. In both cases, viral load returned more often in the patients who were switched to the less intensive regimens, than in those who remained on three drugs. But even for those switched to the less-intensive regimens, a majority did not have their viral load return by the time the study was stopped.

In both trials, the patients started with indinavir (Crixivan«) plus AZT plus 3TC. In the U.S. study, they were randomized to either continue triple therapy, or switch to AZT plus 3TC, or to indinavir alone. In the French study, they were randomized to either continue triple therapy, switch to AZT plus 3TC, or switch to indinavir plus AZT.

Both trials were first presented as late breakers at the 5th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Chicago, February 1-5, 1998. The full papers for both1,2, plus an editorial3, were published October 29 in the NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE.

References

1. Havlir DV, Marschner IC, Hirsch MS and others. Maintenance antiretroviral therapies in HIV-infected subjects with undetectable plasma HIV RNA after triple-drug therapy. NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE October 29, 1998; volume 339, number 18.

2. Pialoux G, Raffi F, Brun-Vezinet F, and others. A randomized trial of three maintenance regimens given after three months of induction therapy with zidovudine, lamivudine, and indinavir in previously untreated HIV-1- infected patients. NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE October 29, 1998; volume 339, number 18.

3. Cooper, DA. Therapeutic strategies for HIV infection--Time to think hard. NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE October 29, 1998; volume 339, number 18.

981106
ATN30604

Copyright © 1998 - AIDS Treatment News. Permission granted for noncommercial reproduction, provided that our address and phone number are included if more than short quotations are used. Subscription lists are kept confidential. AIDS Treatment News, Subscription and Editorial Office: 1233 Locust St., 5th floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 800/TREAT-1-2 toll-free email: aidsnews@critpath.org http://www.aidsnews.org

Subscription Information: Call 800/TREAT-1-2: Businesses, Institutions, Professionals: $270/year. Includes early delivery of an extra copy by email. Nonprofit organizations: $135/year. Includes early delivery of an extra copy by email. Individuals: $120/year, or $70 for six months. Special discount for persons with financial difficulties: $54/year, or $30 for six months. If you cannot afford a subscription, please write or call. Outside North, Central, or South America, add air mail postage: $20/year, $10 for six months. Back issues available. Fax subscriptions, bulk rates, and multiple subscriptions are available; contact our office for details. Please send U.S. funds: personal check or bank draft, international postal money order, or travelers checks. VISA, Mastercard, and purchase orders also accepted. ISSN # 1052-4207

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1998. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .