To investigate the clinical effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of primary liver cancers of high-risk sites.

Clinical data of 100 patients with primary liver cancers of high-risk sites from April 2013 to April 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. According to different therapeutic treatments, 100 patients were divided into TACE group (50 cases) and Combined group (50 cases). Patients in TACE group received TACE, while patients in Combined group underwent both TACE and RFA. Statistical analysis were performed by using SPSS18.0 software. Count data such as 1-year survival rate, short-term outcome and postoperative complications were analyzed by using χ² test. Measurement data such as AFP and KPS were represented as (±s) and were examined by using t test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered as statistical significant difference.

Short-term curative effect in Combined group was significantly higher than that in TACE group (P<0.05), and the one-year survival rate of 77.9% in combined group was significantly higher than that 54.6% in TACE group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of AFP and KPS before operation (P>0.05). After operation, AFP in Combined group was much lower than that in TACE group (P<0.05), while KPS in Combined group was much higher than that in TACE group (P<0.05). The incidence of abdominal pain in Combined group was higher than that in TACE group (P<0.05), however other adverse reactions were lower than those in TACE group respectively (P<0.05).

TACE combined with RFA is better than TACE alone in the treatment of primary liver cancers of high-risk sites, with improved survival of the patients. The combined treatments have application value for patients with unresectable primary liver cancers, and it is worth of clinical promotion.