Radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for recurrent liver cancer.

Background: The recurrence rate of liver cancer after surgery is high. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective treatment for liver cancer; however, its efficacy in recurrent liver cancer remains unclear.

Aim: To investigate the clinical effect of TACE combined with RFA in the treatment of recurrent liver cancer.

Methods: Ninety patients with recurrent liver cancer were divided into 2 groups according to treatment plan: Control (RFA alone); and experimental [TACE combined with RFA (TACE + RFA)]. The incidence of increased alanine aminotransferase levels, complications, and other indices were compared between the two groups before and after the procedures.

Results: One month after the procedures, the short-term efficacy rate and Karnofsky Performance Status scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group ( < 0.05). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and total bilirubin levels were lower than those in the control group ( < 0.05); The overall response rate was 82.22% and 66.67% in the experimental and control groups, respectively; The disease control rate was 93.33% and 82.22% in the experimental and control groups, respectively, the differences are statistically significant ( < 0.05). And there were no statistical differences in complications between the two groups ( > 0.05).

Conclusion: TACE + RFA was effective for the treatment of recurrent liver cancer and significantly reduced AFP levels and improved various indices of liver function.