Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Radiofrequency Ablation in Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PURPOSE To evaluate efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS During January 2009 to March 2012, 80 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent TACE, with or without RFA. Alfa- fetoprotein (AFP) was checked before and after procedure. CT scans were obtained one month after TACE or RFA for all patients to evaluate tumor changes. Complete response+partial response+stable disease (CR+PR+SD)/n were used to assess the disease control rate (DCR). Survival at 3, 6 and 12 months was compared in both groups. RESULTS AFP levels in TACE + RFA group dropped rapidly, becoming obviously lower than that of the TACE group. In the TACE + RFA group DCR was 93.8%, while only 76.8% in the TACE group. The treatment effect between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05) by Ridit analysis. 1 year survival rate in the TACE + RFA group was 92.5%, significantly higher than that of the TACE group at 77.5% (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS TACE and RFA as combined therapy method for patients with middle and terminal stage HCC gives full play to synergy between the two and improves the therapeutic effect.