Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The Role of Angiogenesis and Invasiveness

Abstract

When TACE is not totally effective, it may induce a significant neoangiogenetic reaction, as suggested by an increase in VEGF and b-FGF following treatment; this affects patient survival. VEGF emerges as the most reliable prognostic parameter, so it could be measured for judging TACE efficacy. Finally, antiangiogenic drugs may be indicated in TACE-treated HCC.