Comprehensive Review of Transarterial Chemoembolization Plus Systemic Therapy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the fifth most common cancer worldwide. For patients with unresectable, localized, intermediate-stage HCC, the standard treatment is transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: Given the recent advances in systemic treatments for HCC with immunotherapy and targeted therapies, several studies have explored the potential benefits of combining TACE with systemic therapy, owing to the possible synergistic effects. This review analyzes recent clinical studies of patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE in combination with different classes of systemic therapies. Conclusion: Collectively, these studies suggest that combining TACE with systemic therapy may enhance treatment response and improve survival outcomes.