**3.3 Apatinib**

The latest TKI to show efficacy in advanced HCC is a VEGF receptor inhibitor called apatinib. This medication had been implemented in patients with hepatitis B infection in the past. Li et al. performed a multi-center, double blind, randomized phase III control trial in China in patients with advanced HCC refractory to at least one systemic agent [38]. The median OS was significantly higher in those treated with apatinib compared to placebo (8.7 months vs. 6.8 months, p < 0.05). The most common adverse effects of apatinib were hypertension, thrombocytopenia, and HFSR [38].
