Evaluation the Possible Influence of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization on Hepatitis B Viral Replication
Evaluation the Possible Influence of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization on Hepatitis B Viral Replication
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the traditional method for the palliative
 management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Few previous studies had
 demonstrated that the serum level of anticancer drug from patients treated by TACE was
 similar to those treated by systemic chemotherapy. Since systemic chemotherapy may have the
 possibility to influence patient's general defense ability, hepatitis B virus may reactivate
 after chemotherapy.This study is to investigate the possibility of TACE in the reactivation
 of hepatitis B virus.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the liver. Chronic
 hepatitis B infection is the common etiology for the development of HCC. Transcatheter
 arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the traditional method for the palliative management of
 patients with HCC. Few previous studies had demonstrated that the serum level of anticancer
 drug from patients treated by TACE was similar to those treated by systemic chemotherapy.
 Since systemic chemotherapy may have the possibility to influence patient's general defense
 ability, hepatitis B virus may reactivate after chemotherapy. There is no study to
 investigate the possibility of TACE in the reactivation of hepatitis B virus. This project
 will collect 20 patients with HCC caused by hepatitis B who are planned to be treated by
 TACE. Quantitative determination of viral load in blood will be performed before TACE, the
 first and the third month after TACE to investigate the influence of TACE on hepatitis B
 virus replication. This study will not influence the doctor's decision in the management of
 HCC and the procedure of TACE. The serum used for HBV DNA examination is concomitantly
 obtained during regular blood sampling for TACE preparation and follow-up of patient. The
 amount of blood needed for each time HBV DNA examination is less than 10 ml.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  patients with hepatocellular carcinoma caused by hepatitis B virus without antiviral
 drug treatment and patients will be treated by transcatheter arterial
 chemoembolization

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  patients already received antiviral drug management