Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered a leading cause of death in patients with haemophilia. Recent advances in the treatment of unresectable HCC with molecular-targeted agents (MTAs) have led to better clinical outcomes. However, the tolerability of MTAs by haemophilic patients with HCC remains unclear.
Aim: This study aimed to compare the tolerability of MTAs in such patients.
Patients and methods: From January 2011 to October 2020, five haemophilic patients with HCC were treated with MTAs. Adverse events were assessed in comparison with 265 non-haemophilic patients with HCC.
Results: The prevalence of hand-foot skin reaction was not higher in the haemophiliacs than in the non-haemophiliacs, whereas the rate of haemorrhagic events was higher in the haemophiliacs (6.0% versus 40.0%, p=0.037).
Conclusion: Haemophiliacs tolerate long-term MTA use, without the occurrence of life-threatening complications. However, careful observation and prevention are needed for MTA-related gastrointestinal bleeding in haemophiliacs.
Keywords: Haemophilia; hepatocellular carcinoma; molecular-targeted agents.
Copyright © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.