Effect of Synchronous Versus Sequential Regimens on the Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Regorafenib with Irradiation

This study was performed to evaluate the interaction between conventional or high-dose radiotherapy (RT) and the pharmacokinetics (PK) of regorafenib in concurrent or sequential regimens for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Concurrent and sequential in vitro and in vivo studies of irradiation and regorafenib were designed. The interactions of RT and regorafenib in vitro were examined in the human hepatoma Huh-7, HA22T and Hep G2 cell lines. The RT–PK phenomenon and biodistribution of regorafenib under RT were confirmed in a free-moving rat model. Regorafenib inhibited the viability of Huh-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis in Huh-7 cells was enhanced by RT followed by regorafenib treatment. In the concurrent regimen, RT decreased the area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC)(regorafenib) by 74% (p = 0.001) in the RT(2 Gy × 3 fraction (f’x)) group and by 69% (p = 0.001) in the RT(9 Gy × 3 f’x) group. The AUC(regorafenib) was increased by 182.8% (p = 0.011) in the sequential RT(2Gy × 1 f’x) group and by 213.2% (p = 0.016) in the sequential RT(9Gy × 1 f’x) group. Both concurrent regimens, RT(2Gy × 3 f’x) and RT(9Gy × 3 f’x), clearly decreased the biodistribution of regorafenib in the heart, liver, lung, spleen and kidneys, compared to the control (regorafenib (× 3 d)) group. The concurrent regimens, both RT(2Gy × 3 f’x) and RT(9Gy × 3 f’x), significantly decreased the biodistribution of regorafenib, compared with the control group. The PK of regorafenib can be modulated both by off-target irradiation and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).