Han G, Berhane S, Toyoda H, et al. - In the present study, the researchers developed and validated statistical models that offer individualized patient survival forecast using the response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a variable. They obtained clinically relevant baseline parameters for 4,621 individuals with HCC treated with TACE at 19 centers in 11 countries. Tumor number and size, alpha-fetoprotein, albumin, bilirubin, vascular invasion, etiology, and response as assessed by mRECIST were the factors affecting survival. The proposed models demonstrated superior predictive precision vs existing models (the HAP score and its various modifications) and allowed for patient stratification into four distinct risk categories whose median OS ranged from 7 months to more than 4 years. A TACE-specific and extensively validated model based on routine clinical features and response after first patient-level prognosis was permitted by TACE.