To investigate the clinical outcome of argon-helium cryoablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate its effect on the immune function of patients.

From November 2016 to May 2020, a retrospective analysis was performed in 92 patients with huge liver cancer. According to the treatment methods, 48 cases were divided into the TACE group who were treated with TACE alone, and 44 cases were divided into combined group who were treated with TACE combined with argon-helium knife cryoablation. Statistical analysis were performed by using SPSS 22.00 software. Measurement data such as immune function were expressed as (±s), and were examined by the independent t test, while curative effect were compared by using rank and inspection. The complications were compared by using χ² test, and the overall survival rate was analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier method. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant difference.

The total effective rate of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the TACE group (P<0.05). One month after treatment, the immune function indexes of the combined group were better than those of the TACE group respectively (P<0.05). The total incidence of complications in the combined group was 36.4% (16/44) and 39.6% (19/48) in the TACE group, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The 1, 2, and 3 year survival rates were 81.8%, 56.8%, and 36.4% in the combined group respectively. and the 1, 2, and 3 year survival rates were 60.4%, 35.4%, and 14.6% in the TACE group respectively, with statistically significant difference between two groups (P<0.05).

Argon-helium cryoablation combined with TACE is safe and effective in the treatment of huge liver cancer. Compared with TACE alone, it could effectively improve the immune function of patients and improve the survival rate of patients, which is worthy of clinical promotion.