Malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver successfully treated with Sorafenib

Abstract

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a rare disease of unknown etiology for which a standard systemic treatment has not been established. The common expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor in HEH provide a rationale for the reported use of antiangiogenic drugs, including bevacizumab, lenalidomide and thalidomide. We report a case of a young male patient with HEH who was treated with sorafenib for almost 2 years. Sorafenib was used instead of other VEGF inhibitors due to its convenient oral route, its dual antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activity, and its favorable safety profile. Sorafenib therapy resulted in durable stabilization with progressive calcification of liver tumors and minor but stable response of lung lesions.