The effect of transarterial chemoembolization therapy on survival in patients with non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Single-center study results

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study was designed to investigate the tumor response and effect of drug-eluting transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) treatment on survival in patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 40 patients who underwent DEB-TACE between March 2018 and November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up included abdominal computed tomography and measurement of serum albumin, bilirubin, prothrombin time, and alpha-fetoprotein values. The treatment response was evaluated using the European Association for the Study of the Liver criteria. RESULTS: A total of 70 TACE sessions were performed in the 40 study patients with HCC. The etiology was chronic hepatitis B virus (n=32), secondary biliary cirrhosis (n=2), cryptogenic (n=2), or chronic hepatitis C virus (n=4). Based on the TACE response, complete response was observed in 22 patients, a partial response in 8 patients, and progression in 10 patients. Liver transplantation was performed for 4 patients who had a complete response. The formation of new nodules was observed in 8 patients during the follow-up period. In all, 29 patients survived and 11 died. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that DEB-TACE had a positive effect on the survival of patients diagnosed with HCC who could not be treated surgically.