Published online Dec 27, 2023. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i12.2783
Peer-review started: October 26, 2023
First decision: November 8, 2023
Revised: November 17, 2023
Accepted: December 4, 2023
Article in press: December 4, 2023
Published online: December 27, 2023
Processing time: 62 Days and 9.6 Hours
Patients with middle-late primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) exhibit distinct characteristics, such as large tumors, multiple tumor lesions, and satellite lesions. Achieving a good embolization effect after multiple transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatments can often be challenging. percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) can accurately reach the tumor site, heat the tumor locally, and cause coagulation necrosis. Currently, TACE plus PMCT is more effective than interventional therapy alone and can improve survival time. However, there are few reports on the effects of TACE and PMCT on serum markers and the prognosis of patients with advanced PHC.
Compared to single TACE therapy, TACE + PMCT has a better effect in clinical applications. However, most studies have focused on efficacy and safety, and there are few reports on the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with middle-late PHC and the improvement of tumor markers in patients treated with TACE + PMCT.
To explore the effect of TACE + PMCT on tumor markers and prognosis in patients with mid-late PHC.
Patients were divided into a single group (TACE treatment) and a combination group (TACE + PMCT treatment), according to the treatment methods. Serum tumor markers [alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9)] and the clinical efficacy of the single and combined groups were observed before treatment and 4 wk after treatment. The 1-year survival rates and prognostic factors of the two groups were analyzed.
The objective response rate in the combined group was 74.67%, higher than that in the single group (50.67%) (P < 0.05). After 4 wk of treatment, the serum AFP, CEA, and CA19-9 Levels in the single and combined groups decreased, with the decrease in the combined group being more significant (P < 0.05). The 1-year survival rate at the end of the follow-up period was 80.00% in the combined group and 60.00% in the single group (P < 0.05). The average survival time in the combined group was 299.38 ± 61.13 days, longer than that in the single group (214.41 ± 72.97 d, P < 0.05). COX analysis revealed the effect of tumor diameter, the number of tumors, and the treatment method on the prognosis of patients with middle-to-the newest PHC (P < 0.05).
TACE + PMCT has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of mid-late PHC and can effectively improve the survival rate of patients. Tumor diameter, number, and treatment method were related to the prognosis of patients with mid-late PHC.
This study provides a reference for the clinical management of patients with mid-late PHC.