Abstract:
To evaluate the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization ( TACE ) combined with percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy ( PMCT ) in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC ). Methods: Sixty-three HCC patients, confirmed by pathology, AFP, and ( or ) imaging, were divided into the TACE group and the TACE combined with PMCT group. The TACE group included 31 cases, and the TACE combined with PMCT group included 32 patients. Results: The average rate of decline in α-fetoprotein ( AFP ) in the TACE treatment group and the TACE combined with PMCT group were 52.2% ( 12/23 ) and 80.0% ( 19/25 ), respectively, which were significantly different ( P < 0.05 ). Complete necrosis occurred in 12.9% (4/31) of the TACE group and 34.4% ( 11/32 ) of the combined treatment group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. At 6 months after the end of the imaging findings, the recurrence rate in the TACE group was 32.3% ( 10/31 ), whereas the recurrence rate in the combined treatment group was 9.4% ( 3/32 ). The difference between the two groups was significant ( P < 0.05 ). One year after treatment, the survival rate in the TACE group was 64.5% ( 18/31 ), whereas that in the combined treatment group was 87.5% ( 28/32 ). The difference between the two groups was significant ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion: TACE combined with PMCT significantly increases the survival rate of patients with advanced liver cancer and prolongs their survival.