Transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common cancer in the world. Hepatitis B/C or alcoholic cirrhosis is usually underlying condition. Surgical resection is curative treatment for small HCC, however most patients usually present when advanced or inoperable disease. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is most common alternative treatment for early and advanced HCC. Curative treatment is possible in some selected cases. Multiple techniques of treatment are now developed with improving result. Different chemotherapeutic drugs or embolic agents are now available without complication or less toxicity. Some limitation such as portal vein thrombosis or hepatoportal/hepatovenous shunt can be treated with TACE in selected cases. Multimodality or combined therapy improves survival for complicated cases. Complication rate is low when carefully perform with good knowledge. We found that TACE is feasible and effective treatment for inoperable HCC.