Selective internal radiation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: potential hepatopulmonary shunt reduction after sorafenib administration.
Sorafenib, a protein kinase inhibitor, is a systemic drug that has been licensed for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective study assessed whether the administration of sorafenib can result in a reduction of the hepatopulmonary shunt (HPS) before selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). After exclusion from SIRT because of high HPS, computed tomography scan indicated a shunt reduction in seven patients with HCC receiving sorafenib. Repeated measurements revealed HPS reduction (from 26.5% to 7.5% on average), and subsequent SIRT became possible. In conclusion, sorafenib may reduce HPS in patients with advanced HCC in some cases.
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. jens.theysohn@uni-duisburg-essen.de
Jens M
JM
Theysohn
Jörg F
JF
Schlaak
Stefan
S
Müller
Judith
J
Ertle
Thomas W
TW
Schlosser
Andreas
A
Bockisch
Thomas C
TC
Lauenstein
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001557:Benzenesulfonates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D020065:Hepatopulmonary Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011859:Radiography; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D000077157:Sorafenib; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001557:Benzenesulfonates; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D011725:Pyridines; D009536:Niacinamide; D000077157:Sorafenib