Results of Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) in a Group of Iranian Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer that frequently causes mortalities. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a new palliative treatment for advanced stages of HCC. In this study, we have assessed the results of TACE on a group of Iranian patients with advanced HCC treated at Imam Khomeini General Hospital.This was a case series, cohort study conducted on 36 patients with HCC who met the study criteria. Patients underwent two sessions of TACE at a 4-6 week interval. All patients underwent triphasic computerized scans (CT scan) before treatment and at six weeks after the second session.After at least a one year follow up period, 20 (55.6%) patients died and 16 (41.7%) survived. Survival at 6 months was 58% and at 12 months, it was 33.3%. Post-TACE tumor necrosis (>50%) was significantly associated with 6 (p= 0.029) and 12 (p= 0.00) month survival. There was a significant association between 6 and 12 month survival and Okuda stage (p-V= 0.001 and 0.003), ascites (p-V = 0.058 and 0.012) and branch portal vein thrombosis (p-V= 0. 036 and 0.024). There was no association of WHO criteria to 6 (p-V = 0.139) and 12 (p-V =0.139) month survival.Tumor necrosis less than 50%, presence of ascites and thrombosis of the portal branches are associated with lower survival. Suitable selection and taking into consideration post-TACE tumor necrosis is suggested to enhance survival.