Rates and risk factors for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after initial complete remission in response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

612 Background: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is used for palliative treatment of patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite remarkable initial remission rates, frequent recurrences of HCC after TACE have resulted in questionable survival benefit. Our investigation aimed to study the rates and risk factors for HCC recurrence following remission after TACE. Methods: Comprehensive search of 5 databases (EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov) was conducted to yield 4263 studies, which were screened based on prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcomes assessed were total recurrence rate; 6-month, 1, 2, and 3-year cumulative recurrence rates; and 1 and 3-year survival rates for patients with and without recurrence. Meta-analysis was conducted by the random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed by the I 2 statistic and 95% prediction interval. Systematic review of risk factors for recurrence was performed. Results: Twelve studies and 1,152 patients who underwent complete remission in response to TACE were included. The pooled rate of total recurrence was 60% (95% CI 53-67%). The pooled 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year cumulative recurrence rates were 26% (95% CI 18-33%), 33% (95% CI 22-43%), 49% (95% CI 34-64%), and 62% (95% CI 53-71%), respectively. The pooled 1-year survival rates for patients with and without recurrence were 94% (95% CI 89-99%) and 99% (95% CI 99-100%), respectively. The pooled 3-year survival rates for patients with and without recurrence were 61% (95% CI 31-90%) and 91% (95% CI 81-100%). Heterogeneity was considerable based on the 95% prediction interval. Predominant risk factors for recurrence were larger tumor size, multinodularity, portal vein thrombosis, and higher AFP levels. Conclusions: HCC frequently recurs after initial remission achieved through TACE, with differences in survival rates between patients with and without recurrence. Identifying high-risk patients based on tumor size, multinodularity, portal vein thrombosis, and AFP levels could improve long-term outcomes.