Combination of sorafenib and doxorubicin in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: results from a phase I extension trial.

Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, shows efficacy in renal cell and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is well tolerated when combined with doxorubicin in other solid tumours. Eighteen patients with inoperable HCC received doxorubicin 60 mg/m(2) IV for up to six 3-week cycles. Sorafenib 400mg bid was administered continuously starting day 4.

Results of a Phase I trial of sorafenib (BAY 43-9006) in combination with doxorubicin in patients with refractory solid tumors.

Background: Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006), a novel, oral multi-kinase inhibitor, blocks serine/threonine and receptor tyrosine kinases in the tumor and vasculature. Sorafenib demonstrated single-agent activity in Phase I studies, and was tolerated and inhibited tumor growth in combination with doxorubicin in preclinical studies. This Phase I dose-escalation study determined the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of sorafenib plus doxorubicin.

Results of a phase I trial of sorafenib (BAY 43-9006) in combination with oxaliplatin in patients with refractory solid tumors, including colorectal cancer.

Background: Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006), a multiple kinase inhibitor, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis by targeting Raf kinase, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. In phase I studies, sorafenib demonstrated single-agent activity in patients with advanced solid tumors and was successfully combined with oxaliplatin in preclinical studies. This phase I study investigated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of sorafenib in combination with oxaliplatin.

[Connexin26 and -30 in the Cochlea and their clinical relevance].

Introduction: Gap junction channels consist of different connexin proteins and play an important role in the physiology of hearing. Connexin26 and connexin30 have been demonstrated in the inner ear by immunohistochemistry and Northern Blot analysis. Mutations in the genes for connexin26 and connexin30 have been described to be responsible for non-syndromic hearing loss.

Mutations in the connexin26/GJB2 gene are the most common event in non-syndromic hearing loss among the German population.

Congenital sensorineural hearing loss affects approximately 1/1,000 live births. Mutations in the gene encoding connexin26 (GJB2) have been described as a major cause of genetic nonsyndromic hearing impairment. Additionally, another gap junction gene, connexin30 (GJB6), was found to be responsible for hereditary hearing loss.