To evaluate the clinical efficacy of TACE combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and sorafenib in the treatment of multiple liver cancer complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus.

Clinical data of 68 patients with multiple liver cancer complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus admitted to the First People's Hospital of Foshan from January 2014 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The informed consents of all patients were obtained and the local ethical committee approval was received. Among them, 44 patients were male and 24 female, aged from 28 to 58 years old with a median age of 44. All 68 patients were divided into the sorafenib group and TACE+RFA group according to different treatments, with 34 cases in each group. In sorafenib group, TACE+RFA combined with sorafenib was delivered. The liver function, AFP and VEGF levels were statistically compared between two groups by t test. The incidence of adverse reactions and survival rate were statistically compared by Chi-square test.

In sorafenib group, the objective remission rate and disease control rate were 62%(21/34) and 85% (29/34), significantly higher than 41%(14/34) and 74%(25/34) in TACE+RFA group (χ²=2.885, 1.439; P<0.05). After treatments, the AFP and VEGF levels in sorafenib group were (251±43) and (106±10) μg/L,significantly lower compared with (421±68) and (154±13) μg/L in TACE+RFA group (t=-3.023, -3.321; P<0.05). The incidence of rash and vomiting in sorafenib group was 24%(8/34) and 29%(10/34), significantly higher than 6% (2/34) and 9% (3/34) in TACE+RFA group (χ²=4.221, 4.660; P<0.05). In sorafenib group, the 1-year survival rate was 88% (30/34), significantly higher than 68%(23/34) in TACE+RFA group (χ²=12.645, P<0.05).

TACE+RFA combined with sorafenib is an efficacious treatment for advanced liver cancer. It can be used in treating multiple liver cancer complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus. Nevertheless, extensive attention should be paid to the adverse reactions and relevant complications.