The risk factors of recurrence and metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemo-embolization

Objective To analyze the risk factors of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial chemo-embolization (TACE). Methods Total 245 cases of HCC treated with TACE were analyzed retrospectively. The radiographic findings combined with clinical data were used to analyze the risk factors of recurrence. Results Of 245 cases, 176 recurrences developed in 133 cases, the actual recurrence rate was 54.29%. Intrahepatic recurrence was the most common type, and the ratio in recurrence group was 35.23%. The ratio of recurrence in group of portal vein invasion, extrahepatic metastasis and recurrence in situ were 32.39%, 19.32% and 13.07%, respectively. Univariate analysis of recurrence indicated that hepatitis B surface antigen, rising serum AFP level (≥400 IU/ml), larger spleen, worse hepatic function (Child B or C) and hypervascular focus were the risk factors of recurrence ( P 0.05). Conclusion The risk factors linked to recurrence of HCC are not only underlying liver state as hepatitis B, worse liver function, larger spleen, but also the blood supply type and AFP level.