To investigate the effect of sorafenib on early liver regeneration, liver function and coagulation function after hepatectomy, and the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR-2 and-3), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR-β), C-Raf-1 and liver regeneration.

Thirty HCC patients confirmed by pathology received sorafenib treatment after hepatectomy. The liver size was measured by computed tomography to analyze the effect of different doses of sorafenib on liver regeneration. The changes of liver function and coagulation function were analyzed 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Detection of the expression of VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGFR-β and C-Raf-1 in surrounding liver tissue was performed to analyze their relations with liver regeneration rate.

The liver regeneration rate 1- and 3-month after hepatectomy in patients received sorafenib 400mg daily were higher than those who received 800mg daily. The liver regeneration rate 1- and 3-month after hepatectomy was negatively correlated with VEGFR-2 and PDGFR-β (P<0.05) and had no correlation with VEGFR-3 and C-Raf-1. The dose of sorafenib and level of VEGFR-2 were the main impact factors of liver regeneration rate 1- and 3-month after hepatectomy, especially VEGFR-2.

Sorafenib suppresses early liver regeneration after hepatectomy, the higher dose, the more suppression. VEGFR-2 is the main factor suppressing early liver regeneration.