Meta-Analysis on the Therapeutic Effect of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Combined with Portal Vein Embolization

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review to explore the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with portal vein embolization (PVE) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and VIP database) were searched from database inception to August 15, 2023. Studies comparing TACE combined with PVE versus TACE alone for patients with HCC were included. The degree of heterogeneity was assessed using <i>I</i>² statistics and a <i>Q</i> test. The effect size was represented by risk ratio and mean difference (MD), and the effect size range was estimated using a 95% confidence interval (CI). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eight eligible studies were included in the systematic review, involving 689 participants. The results showed that the future liver residual (FLR) of patients treated with TACE combined with PVE was significantly higher than that of those treated with PVE alone (MD = 3.99%; 95% CI: 1.03–6.94). Furthermore, compared with PVE alone, TACE combined with PVE had a positive effect on disease-free survival (odds ratio [OR] = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.20–3.88), recurrence rate (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.07–9.42), and complications (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.30–0.96). There was no statistically significant impact on mortality with TACE combined with PVE treatment. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The combination of TACE with PVE can significantly reduce the FLR of patients with HCC, with higher disease-free survival, lower recurrence rate, and fewer complications.