(41) Transarterial Chemoembolization Alone and with Immunotherapy for Treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Evidence

Mina Makary, MD – Faculty, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Purpose: The purpose of this exhibit is to review the current evidence surrounding the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) by itself, and with immunotherapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Material and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant clinical studies between 2020 and 2025. The literature review focused on studies investigating the current role of TACE in the treatment of HCC. Studies that compared TACE alone, immunotherapy alone, and the two together were also selected. The selected studies were reviewed for endpoints and clinical outcomes, as well as reported side effects.

Results: Topics covered in this exhibit include 1) the present role of TACE in treating HCC, 2) notable recent studies regarding standalone TACE and immunotherapy for HCC treatment, 3) studies with the two together, and 4) future directions of TACE and immunotherapy combinations.

Conclusions: Multiple recent studies support the efficacy of TACE and immunotherapy combined for the treatment of HCC, compared to therapy with a single modality. These studies examine different endpoints, including disease-free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Understanding the differences in these outcomes can help interventionalists tailor a treatment strategy to meet patients' individual treatment goals.