Combination of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a review

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization has been widely used in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, double blood supply and the existence of portal vein tumor thrombus influence the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. MAIN BODY: Theoretically, portal vein embolization combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization may bring a breakthrough in the therapeutic effect of hepatocellular carcinoma. The feasibility, efficacy, long-term survival benefits, and side effects of the combined treatment have been explored in previous studies. Chemotherapeutic agents may also be added in the portal vein embolization procedure to further improve the treatment response. CONCLUSION: In this study, we review the existing data and studies on the combined treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and provide an overall view of the strategy.