Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government

Regorafenib and Yttrium-90 Transarterial Radioembolization for the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Cancer

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial tests the safety and side effects of regorafenib in combination with yttrium-90 (Y-90) transarterial radioembolization (TARE) and how well the combination works in treating patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). Regorafenib blocks certain proteins, which may help keep tumor cells from growing. It may also prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Regorafenib is a type of kinase inhibitor and a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Radioactive drugs, such as Y-90, may carry radiation directly to tumor cells and not harm normal cells. Radioembolization, a type of radiation therapy, uses tiny beads that hold the Y-90. The beads are injected into the hepatic artery (the main blood vessel that carries blood to the liver). The beads collect in the tumor and the Y 90 gives off radiation. This destroys the blood vessels that the tumor needs to grow and kills the tumor cells. The radioactivity emitted may also activate the immune system to find and attack other tumor cells in the body. Giving regorafenib in combination with Y-90 TARE may be safe, tolerable, and/or effective in treating patients with unresectable HCC.