Sorafenib drug may improve survival in primary liver cancer patients

Washington, June 29 : A new study has revealed that sorafenib drug can improve survival rate among patients with primary liver cancer by 40 pct.

The study led by the Barcelona Hospital Clinic has shown that in patients with primary hepatocarcinomas (liver tumours) taking the drug, are likely to live 40 pct more on average compared to those not taking it.

Hepatocarcinoma is the most frequent hepatic tumour, fifth in overall worldwide cancer rates and the third cause of cancer deaths in the world

Sorafenib has been the first to demonstrate its efficacy and the European Medicines Agency has recently authorised its use for this tumour, given that it can prolong patient survival at the cost of some side effects, which, in 80% of cases, are manageable with a number of preventative or therapeutic measures.

The study also included researchers from the University Hospital of the University of Navarra, together with other hospitals in Spain.

ANI