Short term effect of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) on microsomal liver function by means of 13C-methacetin breath test (MBT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HC…

Background: Chemoembolization is a frequently applied therapeutic modality for unresectable HCC, and is suggested as first line-therapy for patients at intermediate disease stages. Transcatheter intraarterial injection of cytotoxic agents and embolization of tumor feeding arteries induce a strong cytotoxic and ischemic tissue effect potentially leading to hepatic dysfunction. The MBT is a feasible non-invasive function test for the assessment of hepatic functional reserve, overall prognosis and complications in patients with chronic liver diseases. (Goetze et al., APT 2007, AASLD 2015; Stravitz et al. J Hepatol…