Synchronous vs sequential combination of transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Efficacy and prognosis

Figure 1 The process of patient inclusion and exclusion. HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma; TACE: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization; MWA: Microwave ablation.

Figure 2 Comparative analysis of ablation related parameters between the two groups. A: Quantity of ablation needles employed in the synchronous vs sequential groups; B: Ablation time in both cohorts; C: Power settings applied during ablation in both groups. ^aP < 0.05 vs sequential group.

Figure 3 Comparative analysis of tumor biomarkers. A: Pre- and post-treatment alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in two groups; B: AFP-L3 prior to and following treatment in both cohorts. AFP: Alpha-fetoprotein. ^aP < 0.01 vs pre- treatment.

Figure 4 Comparative assessment of liver function indices. A: Comparison of pre- and post-treatment total bilirubin; B: Pre- and post-treatment alanine aminotransferase variations across cohorts; C: Aspartate aminotransferase levels prior to and following therapy. TBIL: Total bilirubin; ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase. ^aP < 0.01 vs pre-treatment values.