ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with Huaier granules in treatment of primary liver cancer (PLC).MethodsThe databases including the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, CNKI, VIP were searched to obtain the relevant literatures of Huaier granule combined with TACE therapy (Huaier+TACE group) and alone TACE therapy (TACE group) in the treatment of PLC. The short-term curative effects (objective response rate and disease control rate), 6 and 12-month survival rates, immune function change, and adverse reactions were extracted. The RevMan 5.3 software was applied to carry out the meta analysis.ResultsFifteen studies involving 1 781 cases were enrolled in this study, of which 876 cases underwent the Huaier+TACE, 905 underwent the TACE. The meta analysis results showed that the objective response rate and disease control rate, 6 and 12-month survival rates of the Huaier+TACE group were significantly more superior as compared with of the TACE group (P<0.05), the adverse reaction incidence had no significant difference (P>0.05). Compared with the TACE group, the CD4 +/CD8 + of the Huaier+TACE group was significantly improved (P<0.05).ConclusionFrom results of meta analysis, Huaier granule combined with TACE could improve therapeutic effect, increase survival rate, and improve life quality of PLC.