Objective To investigate the effectiveness of therapy combinated TACE and RFA in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods We collected 80 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma in which the diagnosis was confirmed by pathology, radio-imaging and AFP value. The patients were divided into 2 groups by odd or even hospitalization number. A total of 42 patients were enrolled in the TACE only group and 38 patients were enrolled in the combination therapy group. Patients in the combination therapy group underwent the TACE procedure with another physical ablation technique. Complications were treated properly, such as hepatic arteriovenous fistula, portal vein cancer embolism, pathological changes of inferior cava,etc. Results For the 42 patients in TACE only therapy group, the survival rates of 1, 2 and 3 year were 72%, 55% and 21%, respectively, with a median survival of 1. 78 years. For patients in the combination therapy group, survival rates of the 1, 2 and 3 year were 89%, 78% and 53% , respectively,with a median survival of 2. 31 years. Survival rate and duration in the combination therapy group was significantly greater in the combination therapy group compared to the TACE group (P＜0. 05). There was a negative correlation between the effectiveness of combination therapy and the mortality risk(OR=0. 570,P＜0. 05). Conclusion Combination therapy can significantly increase survival rate and prolong survival time in patients with hepatocelluar carcinoma.