This study attempted to validate the prognostic performance of the proposed Pre- and Post-TACE (transarterial chemoembolization)-Predict models, in comparison with other models for prognostication. One-hundred-and-eighty-seven patients with HCC who underwent TACE were recruited. Regarding overall survival (OS), the predictive performance of the Pre-TACE-Predict model (one-year integrated area under the curve (iAUC) 0.685 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.593-0.772)) was better than that of the Post-TACE-Predict model (iAUC 0.659 (95% CI 0.580-0.742)). However, there was no significant statistical difference between two models at any time point. For comparison between models using pre-treatment factors, the modified hepatoma arterial embolization prognostic (mHAP)-II model demonstrated significantly better predictive performance at one year (iAUC 0.767 (95% CI 0.683-0.847)) compared with Pre-TACE-Predict. For comparison between models using first TACE response, the SNACOR model was significantly more predictive at one year (iAUC 0.778 (95% CI 0.687-0.866) vs. 0.659 (95% CI 0.580-0.742), respectively) and three years (iAUC 0.707 (95% CI 0.646-0.770) vs. 0.624 (95% CI 0.564-0.688), respectively) than the Post-TACE-Predict model. mHAP-II and SNACOR may be preferred over the Pre- and Post-TACE-Predict models, respectively, considering their similar or better performance and the ease of application.
Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma; prediction; prognosis; risk; transarterial chemoembolization.