Combination of transcatheter arterial chemo-embolization and percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of combination of transcatheter arterial chemo-embolization (TACE) and percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC).Methods 82 cases of PHC were divided into combined group (TACE+PMCT,n=45) and control group (only TACE,n=37).Patients were followed up for 1 to 2 years,and the therapeutic effects and side effects were compared between the two groups.Results The patients with tumor completely necrosis and AFP level lower than 50% in combined group were significantly more than those in control group (P0.05);the one year and two years survival rate in combined group were greatly higher than those of control group,and the recurrence rate was lower than control group;no severe side effect was observed in two groups.Conclusion TACE+PMCT is effective and safe in treatment of PHC of more than 3 cm in diameter.