Transarterial chemoembolization is the standard treatment for intermediate-stage Hepatocellular carcinoma. Although it causes tumor necrosis through ischemia, the resulting hypoxia may also stimulate angiogenesis and contribute to recurrence.

Plasma angiogenic factors were measured in 25 HCC patients before and after TACE. Angiopoietin-2 peaked three days after treatment and declined within one month, while hepatocyte growth factor rose at 24 hours before returning to baseline. Endothelin-1 increased transiently in four patients. In contrast, fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor A were rarely detected, possibly because of limited systemic release or assay sensitivity.

Overall, TACE induced a short-term angiogenic response after ischemia. These factors may serve as future prognostic markers or therapeutic targets in HCC management.