Sorafenat (sorafenib) 200 mg, 120 tablets: profile, composition and research
Reference page for Sorafenat (sorafenib) 200 mg, 120 tablets. Active substance: Сорафениб / Sorafenib.
- What it is: sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor used in certain tumours.
- Presentation: 200 mg tablets, 120 tablets per pack.
- Status: prescription-only antineoplastic medicine.
- Research: large randomised trials in liver, kidney and thyroid cancer, links below.
- Where to buy: APV Pharmacy (price and availability there).
Key facts
| Active substance | Sorafenib |
|---|---|
| Form | Tablets |
| Strength | 200 mg per tablet |
| Pack size | 120 tablets |
| Category | Prescription medicine |
| Article (SKU) | SORF-200-120 |
What sorafenib is
Sorafenib is an antineoplastic medicine taken by mouth, from the class of small-molecule kinase inhibitors. It is a compact molecule that enters the tumour cell and interferes with the enzymes involved in cell division and in the growth of blood vessels.
The active substance comes as 200 mg tablets. A pack holds 120 tablets and is meant for a long course, since medicines of this kind are taken over weeks and months under the supervision of an oncologist.
The prescribing information describes the effect as suppression of the signals that sustain the multiplication of tumour cells and the formation of new blood vessels inside the tumour.
How sorafenib works
A multikinase profile
Sorafenib blocks several kinases at once. Its targets include the RAF family of serine kinases, among them BRAF and CRAF, as well as the vascular growth factor receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3.
Two directions of action
On one hand, suppression of the RAF cascade lowers the rate at which tumour cells divide. On the other, blockade of VEGFR and PDGFR reduces the formation of new vessels that supply the tumour tissue.
Further targets
The medicine also affects the KIT, RET and FLT-3 receptors. This broad profile sets it apart from agents with a single molecular target.
Approved uses
The prescribing information names advanced hepatocellular carcinoma of the liver, advanced renal-cell carcinoma and differentiated thyroid cancer that is refractory to radioactive iodine. In every case the disease is at an advanced stage.
The tablets are taken by mouth, and their number and the length of treatment are chosen by an oncologist. During treatment the function of the liver, blood pressure and the condition of the skin are assessed.
Prescribing, changes of dose and the decision to continue belong to the treating physician. A reference page is not a substitute for a consultation with a specialist.
What the research shows
The key evidence comes from large randomised trials. In the SHARP study, published in 2008, the medicine was compared with placebo in advanced liver cancer, and a difference in how long participants lived was observed.
In the TARGET study of 2007 sorafenib was examined in advanced clear-cell kidney cancer, and in the DECISION study of 2014 in radioactive-iodine refractory thyroid cancer. These were controlled trials involving hundreds of patients.
The publications themselves describe averaged results for groups rather than an outcome for one person. Some patients do not respond, and tolerability varies, so conclusions are drawn with reservations.
Published research
Primary sources, verified against PubMed:
- Sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma., PubMed 18650514 (N Engl J Med, 2008).
- Sorafenib in advanced clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma., PubMed 17215530 (N Engl J Med, 2007).
- Sorafenib in radioactive iodine-refractory, locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer: a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial., PubMed 24768112 (Lancet, 2014).
- Efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients in the Asia-Pacific region with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase III randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial., PubMed 19095497 (Lancet Oncol, 2009).
Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.
Precautions
- This is a prescription medicine. Prescribing, dosing and monitoring of tolerability belong to an oncologist.
- A common complication is a skin reaction on the palms and soles (hand-foot skin reaction). Its appearance should be reported to a doctor.
- Blood pressure may rise, so it is measured regularly during treatment.
- Bleeding, impaired liver function and bowel perforation have been described. Such conditions call for urgent medical care.
- In pregnancy the medicine can harm the fetus. Reliable contraception is needed during treatment.
- Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take: interactions with other agents are possible.
Frequently asked
Is sorafenib a prescription medicine?
Yes. It is a prescription antineoplastic medicine, used only on an oncologist's instruction.
Why does this page not give a dosing schedule?
The number of tablets and the length of the course are set by an oncologist with the test results and the patient's condition in mind. A reference page does not prescribe treatment.
Which reactions are most often reported?
The descriptions most often mention skin reactions on the hands and feet, a rise in blood pressure, diarrhoea and fatigue. These should be reported to a doctor.
Where does the order ship from?
Shipping and customs handling are described on the APV Pharmacy delivery page.