Combined versus single locoregional therapy in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

IntroductionSurgical and locoregional therapies are different options in HCC treatment, several locoregional techniques are used.PurposeThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and combined therapy, in HCC management.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted at our University Hospital, from August 2011 to February 2013. It included 60 patients with HCC (40 males and 20 females, age ranged between 45 and 70 years). Patients were classified into 3 groups, group 1 treated with TACE, group 2 with RFA, and group 3 with both techniques. Response was assessed by triphasic CT and alpha fetoprotein. Patients were classified into good and poor responders after one and six months and one year. Patients’ survival and incidence of recurrence were recorded.ResultsThe percentage of good responders was greater with combined therapy than with TACE and RFA (90%, 70%, and 60% respectively). The overall survival was 75% and the recurrence free survival was 60% in TACE, 90%, and 45% in RFA and 95% and 90% in combined therapy respectively.ConclusionCombined therapy is superior regarding good response, overall survival, and free recurrence survival than either TACE or RFA alone.