Does Nexavar work on Transplanted Livers?

Hi All - my father was diagnosed with liver cancer, HCC, in Jan 08 and received a liver transplant in May 2008 however about 2 months post transplant we learnt that his AFP levels, the tumour marker were rising... to cut a long story short a few weeks ago we found out that the cancer is back and had spread throughout his new liver with multiple tumours. Our oncologist managed to get nexavar for us and we were told that if it works then dad would have 12months and if not, then 6 months. After 5 days on half the dose of the drug he was taken off it as it made him so drowsy he would fall asleep mid his own sentence and also was not able to walk/hold himself up.... my question is, has anyone else had the same effects on nexavar? any advice to make sure he continues to get treatment? our docs, whilst very supportive say they have no experience with nexavar on transplanted livers...  

Any advice/tips would be very welcome

 thanks

On 11/13/2008 KAOS77 wrote:

Hi All - my father was diagnosed with liver cancer, HCC, in Jan 08 and received a liver transplant in May 2008 however about 2 months post transplant we learnt that his AFP levels, the tumour marker were rising... to cut a long story short a few weeks ago we found out that the cancer is back and had spread throughout his new liver with multiple tumours. Our oncologist managed to get nexavar for us and we were told that if it works then dad would have 12months and if not, then 6 months. After 5 days on half the dose of the drug he was taken off it as it made him so drowsy he would fall asleep mid his own sentence and also was not able to walk/hold himself up.... my question is, has anyone else had the same effects on nexavar? any advice to make sure he continues to get treatment? our docs, whilst very supportive say they have no experience with nexavar on transplanted livers...  

Any advice/tips would be very welcome

 thanks

My husband was on nexavar for 9 months. He had HCC (primary) and the transplant doc said there was no way he'd do a transplant, because it would only spread (due to stage). But, if your Father received a transplant, and the cancer is back, It's probably done what our doctor was was talking about. Liver cancer is aggressive, to say the least, but a liver is a liver I suppose. It may help extend life but will not cure.

Looking back, I doubt my husband would hav taken nexaver (with all it's side effects) had he known it would only prolong life for a couple of months. He too was very weak, sick all the time, and it only got worse.

 Sorry I don't have better news, but liver cancer is horrible no matter how you slice it. My prayers are with your family.

In regards to your question about Nexavar in transplanted livers, I just passed 4 years with my new liver and its been a constant battle with HCC ever since. The Drs have cut out tumors only to have them grow back, hit them with radation, they came back. For the past 11 months they can't find the tumors but my AFP is near 5000 so in theory, there has to be HCC in there somewhere. I'm in line to begin a study with Nexavar and Mapataumumab. I was told that not very many pepole have done this and its outcome will be watched by quite a few Drs to see how and if it helps. You said your dad came off Nexavar because he couldn't stay awake while on it. Heck, I'm not there yet and I already have that problem. I also have high hep C load count and this study has that listed as one of the conditions for participation. I guess I'm lucky still being able to work 40 hrs with these "special issues". I'm hoping that the study will help prevent dammage to the new liver, it only took me 6 years waiting to get this one.  I'll keep posting as the test progresses to let you know how it goes. God bless   

On 11/13/2008 KAOS77 wrote:

Hi All - my father was diagnosed with liver cancer, HCC, in Jan 08 and received a liver transplant in May 2008 however about 2 months post transplant we learnt that his AFP levels, the tumour marker were rising... to cut a long story short a few weeks ago we found out that the cancer is back and had spread throughout his new liver with multiple tumours. Our oncologist managed to get nexavar for us and we were told that if it works then dad would have 12months and if not, then 6 months. After 5 days on half the dose of the drug he was taken off it as it made him so drowsy he would fall asleep mid his own sentence and also was not able to walk/hold himself up.... my question is, has anyone else had the same effects on nexavar? any advice to make sure he continues to get treatment? our docs, whilst very supportive say they have no experience with nexavar on transplanted livers...  

Any advice/tips would be very welcome

 thanks

Hi,  I had a question have the Dr suggested treating the HepC with Intraferon.  ?