Open AccessSustained complete response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with metronomic capecitabine: a report of three cases
Author(s) -
Brandi Giovanni,
Venturi Michela,
De Lorenzo Stefania,
Garuti Francesca,
Frega Giorgio,
Palloni Andrea,
Garajovà Ingrid,
Abbati Francesca,
Saccoccio Gioconda,
Golfieri Rita,
Pantaleo Maria Abbondanza,
Barbera Maria Aurelia
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
cancer communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.119
H-Index - 53
ISSN - 2523-3548
DOI - 10.1186/s40880-018-0312-1
Subject(s) - capecitabine , sorafenib , medicine , hepatocellular carcinoma , oncology , cancer , colorectal cancer
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent causes of cancer‐related death. Sorafenib, a multitarget angiogenesis inhibitor, is an approved frontline treatment for advanced HCC in Western countries, although a complete response (CR) to treatment is infrequently reported. Capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine, has been shown to be effect in both treatment‐naïve patients and those previously treated with sorafenib. To date, however, only one case of sustained CR to metronomic capecitabine has been reported. Case presentation We describe three cases of advanced HCC treated with metronomic capecitabine where a CR was obtained. In the first case, capecitabine was administered as first line therapy; in the second case, capecitabine was used after intolerance to sorafenib; while in the third case, capecitabine was administered after sorafenib failure. Conclusion Capecitabine is a potentially important treatment option for patients with advanced HCC and may even represent a cure in certain cases.