The role of sorafenib in downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation and in treating tumor recurrence.
Title | The role of sorafenib in downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation and in treating tumor recurrence. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2011 |
Authors | Sinakos, E., Selvaggi G., Papalavrentios L., Tzakis A., & Akriviadis E. |
Journal | Ann Gastroenterol |
Volume | 24 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 228-230 |
Date Published | 2011 |
ISSN | 1108-7471 |
Abstract | Sorafenib is shown to improve survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it has as yet not been tested in the liver transplantation (LT) setting. We report a 55-year-old man with multifocal HCC (stage B) related to hepatitis B virus cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B), initially treated with transarterial chemoembolization. After five months, sorafenib was added due to lack of response. This enhanced the downsizing of the tumor and eventually led to a surgically successful LT after 4 months of combined treatment. Sorafenib was re-initiated 15 months post-transplant due to skeletal tumor recurrence and led to patient's clinical improvement. The patient remains in good clinical condition 3 years after LT. Sorafenib was well tolerated throughout the entire period of administration with no serious or unexpected adverse events. We conclude that sorafenib can be safely used as a bridge to LT and in transplanted patients in case of HCC recurrence. |
Alternate Journal | Ann Gastroenterol |
PubMed ID | 24713719 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC3959316 |