Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Sorafenib: delivering a targeted drug to the right targets
1University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Cancer Center, PA 19104, USA. ktflaherty@aol.com
Abstract:
Approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma by the US FDA and other regulatory agencies, sorafenib is an agent with multiple targets that may also prove beneficial in other malignancies. Phase III trials are underway in melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small-cell lung cancer. Scrutiny of the Phase II data and correlative studies conducted in that context suggests that inhibition of angiogenesis and signaling in tumor cells may play a part in the clinical efficacy of sorafenib. Although the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors are the most populated class of targeted agents in cancer clinical trials, sorafenib may prove to have unique properties that distinguish it. A detailed discussion of the clinical trials in renal cell carcinoma, melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma highlights what is known and what has yet to be understood about this agent.
Insights
Sorafenib, approved for advanced kidney cancer, shows promise in other cancers by inhibiting tumor cell signaling and angiogenesis. Further trials are exploring its unique potential in melanoma and liver cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sorafenib is approved for advanced renal cell carcinoma.
- It is a multi-targeted agent with potential in other malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the clinical trials of sorafenib in renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- To highlight the knowns and unknowns of sorafenib's efficacy and mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of Phase II data and correlative studies.
- Discussion of ongoing Phase III trials in melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer.
Main Results:
- Sorafenib's clinical efficacy may involve inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor cell signaling.
- Ongoing trials are investigating its role in other cancers.
Conclusions:
- Sorafenib is a multi-targeted agent with demonstrated efficacy in renal cell carcinoma.
- Its unique properties warrant further investigation in various cancer types.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
