Development of a Safety Index of Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Prevent Acute Liver Damage

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most effective palliative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but may cause acute liver damage. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ninteen patients with unresectable HCCs, undergoing TACE, were studied prospectively. A safety index to prevent acute liver damage was developed by using logistic regression. Results: Acute liver damage by TACE was not related to the gender or age, but was mostly correlated to Child's classification (,=1.89, OR=6.6, CI: 2.07, 21.01) and the amount of Lipiodol (,=0.09, OR=1.09, CI: 1.02, 1.16) used for the TACE. Conclusion: In treatment of a Child's B/C patient by TACE, no more than 20ml Lipiodol should be used.