Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a significant intervention in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management, but controversies persist regarding its application in advanced cases with vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis. This systematic review aims to explore TACE's efficacy and safety in these cases. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on TACE in HCC patients with vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis. The study compared TACE with surgical resection/chemotherapeutic drugs or with no group as well. Safety was assessed for adverse outcomes and efficacy, including overall survival, mean survival, and progression-free survival (PFS). Data extraction included study characteristics, patient demographics, intervention details, outcomes, and adverse events. RESULTS: A study of 28 studies involving 3740 patients found that TACE showed diverse safety and efficacy outcomes. Safety evaluations focused on liver function tests, while patient-reported symptoms included fever, pain, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues. Overall survival was under 10 months in 9 studies, with PFS lower in the TACE group compared to conservative treatments. Survival rates ranged from 93.4% at 3 months to 13% at 24 months across studies. The study identified potential subsets where TACE exhibited efficacy, especially in cases with favorable liver function or specific tumor classifications. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a potential role for TACE in certain subsets of advanced HCC patients. Tailored treatment algorithms, informed by rigorous clinical trials and considering various prognostic factors, hold the potential to enhance the management and outcomes for this complex patient population.