Effects of Antrodia Cinnamomea on the Hepatoma Patients After Transcatheter Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 7% of all cancers worldwide and is the most common, primary liver malignancy globally. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Taiwan. Most of the patients with HCCs are associated with hepatitis virus B or C infection, and combined with abnormal liver function or liver cirrhosis. The treatment of HCC includes curative treatment, including surgical resection, liver transplantation, and radiofrequency ablation. Non-curative treatment includes Transcatheter hepatic artery chemoembolization or medical therapy, such as target therapies or immunotherapies. Some patients suffered from post-TACE syndrome, e.g., abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or impaired liver function, after TACE. The clinical application was limited by the possibility of liver function deterioration. There is no standard treatment for the post-TACE syndrome currently. Therapies capable of liver protection could enhance the safety and effect of TACE.

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a medicinal fungal species that has been widely used as a healthy food in Taiwan for the treatment of diverse health-related conditions, in recognition of its anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and neuroprotective activities. The properties of antitumor and hepatoprotective make A. cinnamomea extract or its major compounds an ideal candidate for enhancing the treatment effect for HCC.

Many cancer patients in Taiwan took Antrodia cinnamomea products during the course of therapies. In this study, we want to elucidate the effect of Antrodia cinnamomea on the hepatoma patients after Transcatheter hepatic artery chemoembolization, such as the improvement of post-TACE syndrome ( liver function impairment, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain), the quality of life, and hospital stay, etc.