Figure 1.

Factors preventing more patients benefitting from sorafenib. To date, about six factors have been identified to interfere with the effect of sorafenib. Economic burden, acquired resistance, genetic heterogeneity, and adverse reaction are widely accepted factors. The liver is the main metabolic site of sorafenib; therefore, the status of the liver can also influence the effect of sorafenib. Sorafenib cannot kill cancer stem cells effectively; therefore, the existence of cancer stemness is another important factor.

HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma.