How effective is regorafenib? from john robert's blog

Regorafenib (brand name Stivarga) is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor used mainly to treat certain cancers, including colorectal cancer, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). It works by targeting several tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) and cancer cell survival and Regorafenib Price in Philippines.

1. Effectiveness in colorectal cancer (CRC)

Regorafenib is used for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), especially in patients whose cancer has progressed after chemotherapy and other treatments.

Progression-free survival (PFS): Clinical trials have shown that regorafenib can significantly improve progression-free survival compared with placebo in mCRC. In the CORRECT trial, which studied regorafenib in patients with refractory mCRC, the median PFS for regorafenib was 1.9 months, compared to 1.7 months for placebo. Although the improvement in PFS was modest, it helped slow disease progression.

Overall survival (OS): Regorafenib has also been shown to improve overall survival in mCRC. In the CORRECT trial, the median overall survival of patients receiving regorafenib was 6.4 months, compared to 5.0 months for placebo, representing a 22% improvement in survival.

2. Effectiveness in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Regorafenib is used in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have previously been treated with sorafenib (another kinase inhibitor).

Overall survival (OS): The RESORCE trial demonstrated that regorafenib significantly improved overall survival compared with placebo in patients with HCC who had progressed on sorafenib. The median OS for regorafenib was 10.6 months compared with 7.8 months for placebo, a 42% improvement in survival.

Progression-free survival (PFS): The trial also showed improvement in progression-free survival, with regorafenib achieving 3.1 months compared with 1.5 months for placebo.

3. Effectiveness in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)

Regorafenib is approved for GISTs in patients who have failed treatment with imatinib and sunitinib, two other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Progression-free survival (PFS): The GRID trial showed that regorafenib significantly improved progression-free survival in GIST patients who had failed other treatments. The median PFS for regorafenib was 4.8 months compared with 0.9 months for placebo, indicating a substantial benefit in delaying disease progression.

4. General efficacy and side effects

Efficacy: Regorafenib has demonstrated modest but significant improvements in both progression-free survival and overall survival in several cancer types, especially in patients who have already undergone other treatments. It is not a curative treatment but is beneficial for increasing survival and controlling symptoms.

Side effects: The most common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, hypertension, hand-foot skin reaction (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), rash, and liver enzyme abnormalities. These side effects may sometimes limit the duration of treatment or require dose adjustments and Regorafenib Price in Usa.

5. Overall conclusions

Regorafenib is an effective treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors who have failed prior treatments. Although its benefits are generally modest, it can substantially prolong survival and delay disease progression in these patients. The drug is particularly useful for patients who have limited treatment options and is part of a comprehensive treatment strategy aimed at improving outcomes in advanced cancer. However, it requires careful management because of potential side effects.