Published in:
01-07-2013 | Original Article
Combination of Radiofrequency Ablation with Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 7/2013
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Background
Recent studies suggest that the combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may have a synergistic effect for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Aims
The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of combination of RFA and TACE with that of RFA alone in patients with HCC.
Methods
Randomized controlled trials and retrospective cohort studies comparing RFA plus TACE with RFA alone for HCC were included into this meta-analysis. Study quality was rated with a standardized scale and the strength of evidence was also rated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system (GRADE system).
Results
Meta-analyses showed that the combination of RFA and TACE was obviously associated with higher survival rates (OR1-year = 2.06, 95 % CI 1.46–2.91, P < 0.001; OR3-year = 1.93, 95 % CI 1.18–3.15, P = 0.009; OR5-year = 1.87, 95 % CI 1.23–2.83, P = 0.003). The overall quality of the evidence was judged to be low by using the GRADE system.
Conclusions
The combination of TACE with RFA can improve the overall survival rate and provides better prognosis for patients with HCC, but more randomized controlled trials using large sample sizes are needed to provide sufficient evidence.