Liver Function in Older Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Administration of Lenvatinib.

Background The age of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) eligible for molecular-targeted drug treatment is increasing. We assessed liver function after lenvatinib administration according to age in patients with advanced HCC. Patients and methods In this retrospective, multicenter, observational study, we reviewed the records of patients with HCC who received lenvatinib treatment (March 2018-March 2020). Liver function was measured using the Albumin-Bilirubin Index (ALBI). Results Of 119 patients, with a median age of 72.0 years, median overall survival was 15.3 months. Overall survival was significantly better in the group which maintained liver function (p=0.02). Older age (≥72 years) was associated with liver-function deterioration within 8 weeks (odds ratio=2.47, 95% confidence interval=1.06-5.75, p=0.035). The ALBI score was significantly higher in the older group at 4 and 8 weeks after lenvatinib administration. Conclusion Lenvatinib administration was more likely to adversely affect liver function in older patients; dose adjustment should be considered in such patients.