Combined use of TACE and PMCT for the treatment of advance stage hepatic carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)combined with sonographically guided percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy(PMCT)for hepatic carcinoma with diameter＞5.0 cm.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 68 cases of hepatic carcinoma with diameter＞5.0 cm under treatment of TACE combined with PMCT.CT,USG and correlated laboratory tests of hepatic carcinoma were carried out.Results Among 68 cases,complete ablation were 5 cases(5/68),tumor ablation area more than 50% or tumor shrinkage less than 30% were 59 cases(59/ 68),tumor ablation area less than 50% or tumor shrinkage more than 30% were 6 cases(6/68).Forty five cases with high AFP descended more than 50% after the procedure in 42 eases(93.33%).Thirty seven cases and 29 cases with increase of CEA and CA19-9 decreased to 28(75.97%)and 23(93.10%)cases with corresponding index decreasing more than 50% respectively.Survival time reached 4-6 months in 3 cases, more than 6 months for 31 cases,more than 12 months of 34 cases.Two cases among them showed no recurrence up to now after stoppage of treatment for 24 months and finally no correlative mortality occurred. Conclusion TACE combined with sonographically guided PMCT for hepatic carcinoma with diameter more than 5 cm is safe and effective.