Transarterial Chemoembolization for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis

Transarterial Chemoembolization Versus Best Support for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) had been proved to improve the survivals for middle stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but for advanced stage HCC its' efficacy had not been proved. The investigators hypothesize that TACE also improve the survivals for advanced stage HCC. Thus, the investigators carried out this prospective control study to find out if the survivals for patients after TACE better than only best support or not.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The diagnosis of HCC was based on the diagnostic criteria for HCC used by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)
• Tumor size >7 cm with a portal vein invasion, and the tumor was considered to be unresectable
• No previous HCC directed treatment
• Eastern Co-operative Group performance status 0-1
• Liver function: Child's A

Exclusion Criteria:

• Avascular tumor
• Evidence of hepatic decompensation including ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy
• underlying serve cardiac or renal diseases
• Known or suspected allergy to the investigational agent or any agent given in association with this trial
• Diffuse-type HCC
• For patients with main portal vein occlusion, no adequate collateral circulation around the occluded portal vein