Resistance-Associated Substitution Testing Trends and Impact on HCV Treatment Outcomes in Canada: A CanHepC-CANUHC Analysis

Abstract

Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) are mutations within the hepatitis C (HCV) genome that may influence the likelihood of achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) with direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. Clinicians conduct RAS testing to adapt treatment regimens with the intent of improving the likelihood of cure. The Canadian Network Undertaking against Hepatitis C (CANUHC) prospective cohort consists of chronic HCV patients enrolled between 2015 and 2023 across 17 Canadian sites. Utilisation of RAS testing was assessed across demographics, clinical characteristics and years. SVR was described for the overall cohort and compared across populations of patients with historically negative predictors of SVR. The detection of key RASs and how this information influenced DAA selection were assessed. 2434 patients were identified with information on RAS testing. 98.3% achieved SVR. Out of the 227 patients tested for RAS, 147 (64.8%) had any detected RAS, and 84 (37.0%) had an NS5A RAS. The proportion of patients with SVR did not differ between RAS-tested (98.3%) and non-tested patients (98.3%; p = 0.99). SVR in those with an NS5a RAS was similar (98.6%) to the overall SVR proportion. Proportions with SVR did not differ between those with and without RAS testing in key subgroups (genotype 1a, genotype 3, prior treatment, cirrhosis). The specific DAA regimen and the addition of ribavirin were not associated with SVR outcome. RAS testing has a minimal influence on antiviral treatment selection. Going forward, there is a reduced role for RAS testing in most clinical scenarios.