Adverse Event Profile in Advance Hepatocellular Carcinoma treated with Sorafenib Presenting to CMH Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objective: To look for adverse event profiles in advance of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with Sorafenib presenting to CMH Rawalpindi and study associated socio-demographic factors

Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Oncology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Dec 2020 to Nov 2021.

Methodology: Three hundred patients with diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma in advanced stage taking Sorafenib chemotherapy for more than three months and less than one year were included in the study. Each patient was assessed for relevant adverse effects in the follow-up outpatient visits by a consultant oncologist.

Results: Out of 300 cancer patients using Sorafenib for more than three months and less than one year, 212(70.7%) patients had at least one or more adverse effects, while 88(29.3%) did not experience any adverse effects. Diarrhoea 120(40%) was the most common adverse effect, followed by rash/desquamation 110(36.7%). Advancing age was statistically significantly associated (p-value-0.001) with adverse effects among the target population.

Conclusion: A significant number of patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma using Sorafenib had mild to moderate adverse effects. Physicians should keep an eye on patients with advancing age for adverse effects of this medication.