Sorafenib: A Powerful Drug for Liver Cancer

What is Sorafenib?

Sorafenib is an oral targeted therapy classified as a multi-kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking several key proteins involved in tumor growth and blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), such as

• VEGFR
• PDGFR
• RAF kinases.

It can slow down the growth of the cancer and limit its spread to other organs.

Main indications

Used to treat patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in cases where

• The tumor is too large to be operated on (Unresectable HCC)
  
• The cancer has spread to other organs (Metastatic HCC)
  

It is also approved for:

• Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
• Anplastic or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (differentiated thyroid carcinoma unresponsive to iodine therapy)

How to use the medicine

• Standard dosage: 400 mg twice daily (morning-evening) total 800 mg/day
• Should be taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal to increase absorption.
• Must be taken continuously until there is a reason to stop, such as severe side effects or a relapse of the disease.
• The doctor may reduce the dosage to 200 mg per dose in cases where there are obvious side effects.

Side effects to watch out for

Sorafenib has specific side effects that should be closely monitored, including:

• Skin: Rash, Hand-Foot Syndrome, Skin ulcers
• Gastrointestinal system: Diarrhea, Nausea, Anorexia, Weight loss
• Blood pressure: Abnormally high blood pressure, regular blood pressure measurement
• Cardiac system: Risk of heart failure in some patients
• General: Fatigue, Abdominal pain, Partial hair loss

Special Note:

• Some cases may develop acute hepatitis, abnormal bleeding, or arrhythmias.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or jaundice.