Chemoembolization versus radiofrequency ablation for single small (≤ 3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis.

• The relative effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for early HCC is unclear. • Overall survival rate was significantly higher in the RFA group. • The effects of RFA on overall survival, local tumor recurrence, and recurrence-free survival were homogeneously better in all subgroups.