Sorafenib in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Clinical Experience, MOHAMMAD HASSAN, MAGDY FAWZY and MAHMOUD OSMAN
Abstract
Background and Aims: Sorafenib has proved activity and safety in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study we reviewed our experience of sorafenib in patients with unre-sectable and advanced HCC to evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Patients and Methods: Between January 2007 and April 2009, we studied patients with newly diagnosed, unresectable and advanced HCC with continues sorafenib 400 mg twice daily by mouth in 4 week cycle.
Results: 28 patients were consecutively enrolled in this study. Median age was 56 years. 26 patients were males. 22 patients had child- paugh (CP) A and 6 patients had CP (B).
Two patients (7%) achieved partial response (PR).11 patients (39.5%) had stable disease (SD) >!3 months. 15 patients (53.5%) had progression disease (PD). Median time to disease progression (TTP) was 3.9 months and median overall survival (OS) was 9.6 months for all patients.
The most common grade3-4 adverse events were diarrhea in three patients (11%), hand and foot syndrome (HFS), fatigue both in two patients (7%), gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain and hypertension each in one patient (3.5%).
Conclusion: Sorafenib as monotherapy has mild activity in HCC patients with unresectable and advanced disease. Future prospective and or randomized studies should assess the benefits of sorafenib combination with other targeted therapy or chemotherapy.