Effect of Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Respect to Tumor Size: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is ranked as the sixth most common cancer globally. It also accounts for the second leading determinant of cancer-related mortalities worldwide. In the present day, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the treatment modality of preference for high burden hepatocellular carcinoma. Our study aims to report the efficacy of TACE and alterations in laboratory parameters in patients of hepatocellular carcinoma before and after undergoing TACE in lieu with size >3 cm or 3cm tumor size (p=0.050). After TACE, bilirubin levels were remarkably improved in 3cm tumor size. Serum creatinine worsened in 3 cm tumor size, and SGPT was indifferent in 3cm tumor size. Mean meld score was found improved in both the study groups however, greater improvements were seen in >3cm tumor size group. Downstaging of child-pugh classes was statistically significant in both the study groups (p<0.001).