Multi kinase inhibitor Sorafenib modulates cytokine secretion by HCC and liver tissue

Background: Local treatment of HCC induces inflammatory reactions and tumor specific immune responses, which may contribute to a favorable clinical outcome. Whether this holds true for systemic treatment with kinase inhibitors has not been studied. Hence, we have investigated cytokine profiles of liver and HCC tissue in presence of Sorafenib to analyse its immune modulatory capacity. Methods: Liver and tumor specimens were obtained from patients undergoing liver resection for treatment of HCC without prior local or systemic therapy. HCC developed in context of liver cirrhosis due to viral hepatitis, alcoholic or…