The Consequences of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Liver Cancer

Abstract

Background: Liver cancer is one of the common cancers. Despite many advances in medical sciences, it continues to be one of the main problems in the care systems. Diagnosis of the disease and its treatments result in many problems for affected patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the consequences of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Method: The study was performed on 84 patients at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, using available sampling methods. Questionnaires on cancer treatments, Fatigue Severity Scales, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales, Edmonton Symptoms Scales, and demographic characteristics were filled before and after treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Descriptive statistics, t test, and correlation test were used as appropriated.

Result: The study showed many consequences such as anxiety, pain, and fatigue. Mean physical and psychological outcomes after treatment showed a significant increase (P˂0.05), which led to a significant decrease in FACT??.

Conclusion: Consequences have an inverse and significant relationship with patients’ performances and their quality of life. Due to the direct effects of consequences on life, they should be reduced or eliminated.