Digestive diseases and sciences
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Although many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed to date in the field of the treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there has not been any detailed analysis or evaluation of the quality of these RCTs. This study analyzed the characteristics and quality of RCTs investigating the treatment of HCC. A MEDLINE search was performed to identify prospective RCTs investigating HCC treatment published between 1991 and 2005. ⋯ Many RCTs on the treatment of HCC have been performed all over the world, especially in Asia and Europe. The quality of these RCTs is, however, unsatisfactory and most of the RCTs are still inadequately performed. High-quality RCTs are needed to establish common therapeutic guidelines.