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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
Reversible decrease of portal venous flow in cirrhotic patients: a positive side effect of sorafenib.
Romain Coriat1, Hervé Gouya, Olivier Mir
1Center for Research on Angiogenesis Inhibitors (CERIA), Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Paris, France. romain.coriat@cch.aphp.fr
Plos One
|February 23, 2011
Summary
Sorafenib, an anti-angiogenic drug, significantly reduced portal venous flow in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This therapy offers a novel approach to managing portal hypertension complications.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Portal hypertension is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, plays a critical role in the development of portal hypertension.
- Sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is an established treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sorafenib on portal venous flow and portosystemic collateral circulation in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
- To assess the anti-angiogenic effects of sorafenib in the context of portal hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate portosystemic collateral circulation.
- Measurements were taken before sorafenib therapy and on day 30 of treatment.
- A control group received no sorafenib therapy.
Main Results:
- All patients receiving sorafenib showed a significant decrease (≥36%) in portal venous flow.
- No significant changes were observed in the azygos vein or abdominal aorta.
- The control group exhibited no modification in portal venous flow.
Conclusions:
- Sorafenib effectively reduces portal venous flow in patients with liver cirrhosis and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
- This study identifies sorafenib as the first anti-angiogenic therapy to demonstrate a beneficial and reversible effect on portal venous flow.
- The findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for sorafenib in managing portal hypertension.
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