Response assessment for HCC patients treated with repeated TACE: The optimal time-point is still an open issue

We read with interest the study by Kim et al. published in the Journal of Hepatology [ [1] Kim B.K. Kim S.U. Kim K.A. Chung Y.E. Kim M.J. Park M.S. et al. Complete response at first chemoembolization is still the most robust predictor for favorable outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol. 2015; 62: 1304-1310 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (127) Google Scholar ], which evaluated the prognostic significance of the initial response and the best response during serial transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, as assessed by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) criteria. It concluded that both the initial response and the best response predicted the survival well. Despite the promising results of this study, we still have several questions, as follows. Complete response at first chemoembolization is still the most robust predictor for favorable outcome in hepatocellular carcinomaJournal of HepatologyVol. 62Issue 6PreviewThe aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic significances of not only the initial and the best response during repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but if eligible, also the time point of achieving treatment responses. Full-Text PDF Reply to “Response assessment for HCC patients treated with repeated TACE: The optimal time-point is still an open issue”Journal of HepatologyVol. 63Issue 6PreviewWe appreciate the valuable comments made by Wang et al. about our recently published article [1]. They raised some concerns.