Lenvatinib and its use in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. (22nd May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baxter, Mark A; Glen, Hilary; Evans, Thomas RJ
• Is Part Of: Future oncology. Volume 14:Number 20(2018)
• Page Start: 2021
• Page End: 2029
• Publication Date: 2018-05-22
• Subjects: drug development -- hepatocellular carcinoma -- lenvatinib -- multikinase inhibitor -- pharmacokinetics -- REFLECT -- sorafenib; Oncology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0689
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-6694

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver accounting for approximately 90% of cases. Patients often present at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. Sorafenib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been the first-line treatment in this setting for almost a decade. Several subsequent targeted therapies have failed to demonstrate significant improvement in survival. The results of the REFLECT study suggest that lenvatinib, a multikinase inhibitor, may have promised as a first-line treatment in patients with advanced HCC. This article will review the development of lenvatinib and the evidence behind its potential use in patients with advanced HCC.