Abstract
To evaluate efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. During January 2009 to March 2012, 80 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent TACE, with or without RFA. Alfa- fetoprotein (AFP) was checked before and after procedure. CT scans were obtained one month after TACE or RFA for all patients to evaluate tumor changes. Complete response+partial response+stable disease (CR+PR+SD)/n were used to assess the disease control rate (DCR). Survival at 3, 6 and 12 months was compared in both groups. AFP levels in TACE + RFA group dropped rapidly, becoming obviously lower than that of the TACE group. In the TACE + RFA group DCR was 93.8%, while only 76.8% in the TACE group. The treatment effect between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05) by Ridit analysis. 1 year survival rate in the TACE + RFA group was 92.5%, significantly higher than that of the TACE group at 77.5% (P<0.05). TACE and RFA as combined therapy method for patients with middle and terminal stage HCC gives full play to synergy between the two and improves the therapeutic effect.
Highlights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third most common cause of cancer-related death (Benson et al, 2009)
Hepatic resection is still to get the possibility of cure for patients with HCC, but majority of patients diagnosed with HCC have loose surgery opportunity (Hsu et al, 2011)
The recurrence rate is higher in patients received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and intrahepatic recurrence rates were up to 60 percent have been reported
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third most common cause of cancer-related death (Benson et al, 2009). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is emerging as an effective local treatment for HCC smaller than 3cm in diameter. Survival of patients with HCC less than 3cm treated by RFA competes with that of surgical candidaties(Yau et al, 2014). Both methods are effective in treatment of HCC. Some studies combined TACE with RFA to treat HCC received a good prognosis(Wilson et al, 2012). Because TACE is a safe and effective alternative to hepatic resection and FRA for HCC of 3cm or smaller without vascular invasion especially for patients who are vulnerable to adverse events of treatments
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