Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation in treatment of large hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of tanscatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation(RFA) in treatment of large hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of 66 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received different treatments during April 2006-July 2008.The patients were divided into 3 groups:19 patients in TACE + RFA group,24 patients in TACE group,and 23 patients in RFA group.Results The complete necrosis rate of tumor accounted for 73.68% in TACE + RFA group which was significantly higher than that of TACE group and RFA group(50.00%,and 52.17%,respectively,P 0.01,P 0.05).The local recurrence rates of tumor in TACE + RFA group,TACE group,and RFA group were 26.32%,37.5% and 30.43%(P 0.05).Mean survival time of patients in TACE + RFA group was 28.3 months,which was higher than that of TACE group and RFA group(13.6 months,21.7 months,P 0.01,P 0.05).Conclusion Percutaneous transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation(RFA) in primary large hepatocellular carcinoma could improve tumor complete necrosis rate and extend the patient's survival time.