부산대학교 도서관

Background: High rates of adverse effects and early discontinuation have been noted when using sorafenib to treat Japanese patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. The optimal initial dose of sorafenib is a matter of some debate. Patients and Methods: We examined the relationship between the initial dose of sorafenib and the clinical course of 120 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated before September 2012. Results: Those that took 400 mg (n=88) tended to have poorer performance status, but there was no significant difference in overall survival when compared with those who took 800 mg (n=32). In the 800 mg group, time to dose reduction or discontinuation of sorafenib was shorter than the 400 mg group. There was a positive relationship between duration of sorafenib administration and overall survival. Conclusion: The duration of sorafenib administration appears to influence prognosis more than initial dose, which should be adjusted according to patient characteristics.