Sorafenib is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of unresectable (can not operate) liver
cancer and for renal cell carcinoma. Sorafenib is a drug that inhibits the growth of cancer
cells and prevents the formation of new blood vessels that would otherwise help the cancer
spread.
Studies in experimental animals have shown that sorafenib may also lower portal vein pressure
(the pressure of the blood passing from the intestine through the liver.) This study seeks to
determine if sorafenib lowers the blood pressure in liver blood vessels (portal vein
pressure) in patients with cirrhosis who have high portal vein pressure. The study will also
obtain information whether sorafenib is safe in this patient population.
Half of the patients will be given sorafenib and half will be given a placebo (a pill without
any medicine in it.) This allows a comparison of the reactions of people who take sorafenib
to those who do not.