Liver
New technology to detect early liver cancer
By IANS
Jan 31, 2006, 18:48

Scientists have discovered a technology to detect liver cancer early, which they say could potentially save lives because its treatment is more effective if started early.

Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer in the world, especially widespread in East Asia.

High-risk groups, such as people with liver cirrhosis, are monitored currently - but tests are not sensitive enough to detect the disease early.

Researchers led by Professor Philip Johnson at the University of Birmingham used sophisticated protein measurement and computer analysis to detect changes characteristic of early liver cancer, reported BBC News.

"Our method was more accurate than the existing liver cancer blood test and will help develop a new test to improve early diagnosis of liver cancer in high risk groups," said Johnson.

It was used to monitor high-risk groups including ultrasound scans and a test for the presence of a single protein in the blood called alpha-fetoprotein.

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