Multityrosinkinase inhibition by sorafenib increases necrosis size after radiofrequency ablation in rat liver through antiangiogenesis but activates compensatory growth signalling

Aims: The most widely employed local treatment for unresectable HCC is radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The multityrosinkinase inhibitor sorafenib (S) has shown survival benefits in pts at advanced stages and is under investigation for adjuvant treatment after HCC resection/ablation in human trials. Of potential concern, S may reduce liver regeneration after tissue ablation. Aim: To evaluate effects of combined sorafenib and RFA treatment in rats on necrosis size and growth signaling pathways. Methods: Male SD rats (n=5–9) were subjected to RFA or sham liver puncture±sorafenib (5mg/kg b.w. by gavage qd starting at…