Lewis Roberts, M.B., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, is the author of an editorial in the July 24, 2008 issue of New England Journal of Medicine, commenting on research results published in the same issue involving the use of the drug sorafenib for treating advanced liver cancer.
Dr. Roberts describes the significance of the study findings, as they are the first to show an effective treatment for advanced liver cancer.
Dr. Roberts says the promising findings suggest “a new era of hope” for treatment of advanced liver cancer.
Dr. Roberts explains why even a three-month improvement in survival is significant at this point in liver cancer research, as it is comparable to the advances that were made a decade ago in treating colon cancer.
Dr. Roberts says that while the drug shows significant promise, increasing patient awareness of their risks for liver cancer and appropriate screening for those at highest risk is crucial to early detection and the best long-term outcomes.
2 Comments
Sir, I just began taking sorenfib. It has been prescibed by the VA for liver cancer. This Monday next, it will be 2 weeks. I seem to be managing most of the side effects fairly well so far. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain. I completed my third cosecutive 26 mi. marathon in Jan, ‘08.
However, I am extremely tired and run down. I work for Walgreens and have some disability time I can use. I am wondering if I should use another 4 weeks to let my body totally adjust to the medication before returning to work. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thank you. Jim Reardon
Thanks for your comment. We can’t directly advise on your course of treatment. You should consult with your physician on whether additional time off would be helpful.