Efficacy of sorafenib combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with tumour thrombosis of the portal vein: a meta-analysis

Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Twelve randomised controlled trials published up to 2022 were included. Of a total of 1,746 patients, 458 received sorafenib + TACE (S+TACE arm) and 1,288 underwent TACE (TACE arm).

Overall survival (HR: 0.596, 95% CI: 0.507-0.685, p<0.001; I2=0.0%) and time to progression (HR: 0.379, 95% CI: 0.205-0.553, p<0.001; I2=4.5%) in the S+TACE arm were longer than in the TACE arm.

The objective response rate (RR: 2.101, 95% CI: 1.555-2.839, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%), disease control rate (RR: 1.547, 95% CI: 1.126-2.126, p = 0.007; I2 = 79.6%) and survival (RR: 1.416, 95% CI: 1.183-1.694, p < 0.001; I2 = 83.8%) in the S+TACE group were higher than in the TACE group.

Compared with the TACE group, higher risks of Hand-Foot Skin Reaction (HFSR), oral ulcer and diarrhoea in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by tumour thrombosis of the portal vein were found in the S+TACE group.

CONCLUSION: Sorafenib combined with TACE has good efficacy and mild adverse effects.

Source(s) :
Xu L ; Chen S ; Cao H ; Feng Z ; Yang C ;

Virtual reality: a weapon against stigma?

By Ana Espino | Published on september 16, 2025 | 3 min read

How our cells neutralize toxic RNAs

By Lila Rouland | Published September 16, 2025 | 3 min read<br>

Osteoarthritis and Ayurveda: balance restored?

By Ana Espino | Published on september 17, 2025 | 3 min read