Recurrence and Distant Metastases in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated by Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

This project will include at least 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who will receive transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a sole method for the management. The serum is collected before and at the 3rd and 7th day after TACE. The serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin 2, endostatin and cathepsin L are determined. All patients will be evaluated according to the TNM system for the cancer staging before and 3 months after each session of treatment. The vascularity of tumor, the drug and the dose used for embolization, and the area of infarction will be recorded. These data will be compared with the clinical courses of the patients to obtain the most suitable way in the management of these patients.