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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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Biological therapies use substances that are produced naturally in the body, to destroy cancer cells. A biological therapy called sorafenib| (Nexavar®) may be used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma.
Sorafenib is a cancer growth inhibitor. In order to grow and divide cancer cells 'communicate' with each other using chemical signals. Cancer growth inhibitors interfere with this process and so affect the cancer’s ability to develop.
Sorafenib is a tablet that is usually taken twice a day. Side effects include tiredness, diarrhoea, feeling sick (nausea), high blood pressure and muscle pains.
Although sorafenib is licensed and can be prescribed in the UK, it has not yet been assessed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE gives advice on which new drugs or treatments should be available on the NHS. As a result, sorafenib may not be widely available on the NHS.
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