Exploratory prospective, randomized phase II study of neoadjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus surgery versus surgery alone for large hepatocellular carcinoma (CSGO‐HBP‐005): Clinical Study Group of Osaka University, Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Group

Neoadjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for large tumors is controversial, especially in the minimally invasive surgery era. The aim of this study was to compare features between groups treated with neoadjuvant TACE followed by surgery (TACE + surgery) or upfront surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma >5 cm.