November, 1989: The first RCTs DiBisceglie, et al., N Engl J Med; 321: 1506-10.
- IFN alfa at 2 MU TIW for 6 months decreased ALT levels in 1/3 of pts treated.
- Benefits in the majority of pts were transient.
- Some histologic parameters were improved at the end of treatment.
- Pts with higher pre-treatment ALTs were less likely to respond to IFN.
- “Future studies should focus on higher doses...given for longer periods.”