Comparison of tumor response in patients treated with sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumor version 1.1 (RECIST1.1), modified RECIST (mRECIST) and Response Evaluation Criteria In Cancer of the Liver (RECICL) are frequently used as a response evaluation criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma. The overall survival (OS) of the patients treated with sorafenib was evaluated among these criteria respectively. In patients treated with sorafenib over 30 days, OS was stratified by RECICL and mRECIST, but not stratified by RECIST1.1. There was a statistically significant difference in RECICL (p=0.0133). In patients treated with sorafenib over 60 days, OS was also stratified by RECICL and mRECIST, but not stratified by RECIST1.1. There was also a statistically significant difference in the RECICL (p=0.0173). In patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib, evaluation of the tumor necrosis is considered very important and bidimensional measurement is necessary to measure viable area more precisely. RECICL which evaluates the tumor necrosis and includes bidimensional measurement may be considered the most useful criteria to predict the prognosis in the evaluation of treatment with sorafenib.