ABSTRACT:ObjectiveTo explore whether aspartate transaminase and platelet ratio index (APRI) is an effective prognostic marker after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.MethodsRetrospective analysis of clinical date in 388 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.According to preoperative APRI，the patients were divided into the low APRI group (APRI＜1.30，n=237) and the high APRI group (APRI≥1.30, n=151).The 1 or 3year survival rates of the two groups were separately analyzed.ResultsThe 1year and 3year survival rates in the high APRI group were 37.3% and 19.0% respectively (P＜0.01).In the low APRI group the survival rates were 57.6% and 38.2% respectively (P＜0.01).The 1year and 3year recurrence rates in the high APRI group were 25.5% and 2.6% respectively (P＜0.01).In the low APRI group they were 71.2% and 30.0% respectively (P＜0.01).In multivariate analysis, albumin level, ChildPugh class, tumor size, vascular invasion, number of APRI, and APRI were independent predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma survival.ROC curve analysis showed that APRI had larger area under the ROC curve compared to other clinical prognostic factors.ConclusionPreoperative APRI may be a prognostic marker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization．