• Cheng-bing Jin, Feng Wu, Zhi-biao Wang, Wen-zhi Chen, and Hui Zhu.
• Clinical Center for Tumor Therapy, Second Hospital, Institute of Ultrasonic Engineering in Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
• Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi. 2003 Jul 1; 25 (4): 401-3.

ObjectiveTo study high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsFifty patients with unresectable HCC (TNM stage IV) were randomized into a TACE (T) group and a TACE plus HIFU (T + H) group. Twenty-six patients underwent TACE alone, and 24 HIFU ablation 2 - 3 weeks after TACE. The mean follow-up time for all patients was 8.16 +/- 2.79 months (range 3 to 24 months). The median survival, 6-month-, 1-year survival rates and average survival of patients who died were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and Fisher exact test.ResultsThe median survival time, 6-month and 1-year survival rates were 11.3 months, 80.4 - 85.4% and 42.9% in T + H group, in contrast to 4 months, 13.2% and 0% in T group with significant differences (P < 0.01). The average survival time of patients who died was 10.21 +/- 4.12 months in T + H group, as compared with 4.35 +/- 2.39 months in T group also with significant differences (P < 0.01).ConclusionHigh intensity focused ultrasound therapy (HIFU) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), being better than TACE alone, may become one of the most effective treatments for patients with unresectable HCC.

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