Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new modality of treatment for unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) that has gained much enthusiasm in recent years. RFA relies on the interaction of high frequency alternating current with living tissue to generate heat energy through ionic vibration. Despite its high initial efficacy in tumor control, RFA has a major drawback with respect to its high local tumor recurrence rate.
Theoretically, RFA may be combined with other therapies to produce more effective tumor ablation. One of the most promising combination strategy is transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) followed by RFA. When combining TACE with RFA, the ablation volume of coagulation necrosis in the tumor by RFA can be significantly increased because the dissipation of heat by the blood flow is reduced after chemoembolization.
The primary aim of this study is to compare the survival outcome of RFA with or without TACE for HCC patients, as well as the associated morbidity, mortality, long-term recurrence and quality of life.
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