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Comparison of the Efficacy of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Combined with Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Monotherapy in Patients with Liver Cancer

Li S, Zhao F, Sun M, Wang H, Bai J, Zhou L

Annali italiani di chirurgia, 2024

125 participants

Abstract

AIM: This study assesses the effectiveness of combining transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 125 HCC patients treated from 2020 to 2021, divided into two groups: monotherapy using TACE (n = 63), and a combined approach of RFA and TACE (n = 62). Comparison factors included clinical efficacy, liver function, tumor markers, complications, quality of life, and prognosis.

RESULTS: The combined treatment group showed higher effectiveness (p < 0.05), improved liver function and tumor marker levels 4 weeks post-treatment (p < 0.05), significantly fewer complications (p < 0.05), and enhanced quality of life at the year-long follow-up (p < 0.05). The prognosis was better in the combination group, demonstrated by fewer recurrences and higher 1-year survival rates (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The dual approach of TACE and RFA shows improved results for HCC patients, including improved liver function, reduced tumor markers, fewer complications, and superior quality of life and prognosis. Consequently, combined treatment approach is endorsed for clinical practice.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 125 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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