Management of cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib. Issue 12 (December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cabibbo, Giuseppe; Rolle, Emanuela; De Giorgio, Massimo; Genco, Chiara; Pressiani, Tiziana; Spada, Francesca; Sacco, Rodolfo
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anticancer therapy. Volume 11:Issue 12(2011)
• Page Start: 1807
• Page End: 1816
• Publication Date: 2011-12
• Subjects: cirrhosis -- hepatocellular carcinoma -- liver cancer -- management -- sorafenib -- systemic therapy -- treatment; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1586/era.11.139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7140

Abstract

Sorafenib (Nexavar ®, Bayer), a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was the first systemic agent that demonstrated a significant improvement in the overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and well-preserved liver function. This drug is now recommended in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma as first-line therapy and for patients not suitable for locoregional treatment. This brief article, produced by a multidisciplinary panel including specialists in gastroenterology and oncology, provides an overview of the major issues related to systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with sorafenib, including staging and prognostic strategies, assessment of liver disease and its complications, and efficacy and safety of this molecule. Particular emphasis is given on how to improve tolerability of sorafenib in difficult-to-treat patients.