Many treating physicians and AIDS researchers are taking the approach that an individual should first initiate therapy with a nucleoside regimen, followed by a potent protease inhibitor therapy if and when disease progression occurs. These recommendations were first determined in January 1996 and revisisions were incorporated by group consensus during the February-May period of time. Briefly, they recommend initiating therapy with a nucleoside regimen to be followed by a protease inhibitor regimen after disease progression. Of course, individuals can stake out their own position on this controversial issue. But, the ACTG is planning to address this question with a study of immediate vs. deferred protease inhibitor therapy.
Discussions are ongoing for the design of such a study.