Inconsistent with the above-mentioned rodent model observations, the authors found that the number of CD8 T cells was reduced after TACE compared to that in paired pre-TACE HCC tissues, whereas the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), characterized by low expression of CXCL9, were increased. This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and hepatocellular carcinoma.