IntroductionLiver is considered as second frequent organ of cancer metastases. Moreover primary hepatic cancer is one of the major causes of mortality in the world. Although many studies have investigated the psychosomatic functioning of cancer patients, only a few of them have focused on patients with primary hepatic cancer. For non-operable cases transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered as effective palliative treatment method. However the occurrence of various physical and psychological side effects of this type of treatment has been observed. On the basis of scarce reports of sleep disturbances and general psychosomatic functioning deterioration in this group of patients a more explorative study was planned, that aimed in determining the presence or absence of various unexpected symptoms and their predictive factors. MethodsA longitudinal study was designed to examine the selected group of participants. 67 patients (N=67) from General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery Department Medical University of Gdansk, Poland were investigated before, one, three and six months after undergoing TACE. Depression symptoms, presence or absence of sleep disturbance and it's determinants and dynamics were assessed. Additionally physical and psychical functioning as well as general quality of life was evaluated. The following questionnaires: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACIT-G), The Rotterdam Symptom Checklist, Beck Depression Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), used in the research are well validated and standardized methods. Statistical analyzes were conducted to determine the occurrence of mentioned variables and their predictive factors. ResultsConducted analyzes revealed statistically significant (F(3)=12; p<0.001) sleep disturbance symptoms that were increasing consecutively after TACE sequences in all patients. Remarkable deterioration in the sleep quality in particular as regards its efficiency (t(46)= -4,7; p< 0.001; ) duration (t(46)= -4.2; p<0.001; t(42)=-6.4; p<0.001; t(22)= -10.3; p<0.001) and latency were indicated. Moreover, graduate and significant mood relapse tending towards clinical depression particularly 3 months (t(42)= -2.87; p< 0.05) and 6 months (t(13)= - 2.48; p<0.05) after first TACE was reported, regardless the initial depression level. Significant decrease of physical functioning in all patients appeared respectively after 3 and 6 months (t(41)= -3.31; t(22)= - 3.04; p<0.05). General quality of life also decreased remarkably on a statistically significant level of p<0.001. ConclusionThe obtained results show a significant association between TACE and the occurrence of various psychical and physical symptoms. Sleep disturbance and depression revealed in all patients, regardless its initial level. Moreover undesirable somatic symptoms as well as general quality of life impairment occurred. The findings of the study indicate the importance of patients global monitoring in course of the entire chemoembolization treatment process. Clinicians should be aware of the possible prevalence of the symptoms mentioned as it may affect the medical treatment by modifying patient's involvement in the treatment.