Liver Cancer

QIMR Berghofer researchers are improving the survival rate of patients with liver cancer.

The impact of our research

Our recent work has highlighted the critical need for doctors to be vigilant – both in monitoring for early signs of liver cancer and the potential for liver complications in patients with diabetes or obesity. Early detection and prevention are vital in combating this deadly disease.

We’re investigating the progression from liver disease to liver cancer so we can identify how to slow or stop its development.

We’re studying why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cirrhosis and liver cancer have poorer health outcomes compared to other Australians.

We’re using nanotechnology to modulate iron levels, which can be elevated in people with liver cancer.

About liver cancer

What is liver cancer?

Liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver.

It typically develops after chronic inflammation leads to scarring (cirrhosis) of the organ. The most common causes of cirrhosis in Australia are alcohol-related liver disease, chronic hepatitis B and C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Over 80% of hepatocellular carcinomas occur in patients with cirrhosis.

Who’s most at risk of liver cancer?

While liver cancer is most common over the age of 50, it can affect anyone.

You’re more at risk of developing liver cancer if you:

have hepatitis B or C
have cirrhosis
have consumed alcohol excessively over a long period
are obese.

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

Liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, some common symptoms may include:

abdominal discomfort or pain
unexplained weight loss
loss of appetite
feeling of fullness even after eating very little
fatigue and weakness
jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
swelling in the abdomen or legs
nausea and vomiting.

How is liver cancer treated?

Treatment for liver disease varies, depending on the stage of cancer, your overall health, and any underlying liver diseases.

Common treatments include:

surgery to remove the tumour
liver transplantation
radiation therapy
chemotherapy
molecular therapy
immunotherapy.

Facts about liver cancer

~2,000

Australians are diagnosed with liver cancer every year.

~3x

more men are diagnosed with liver cancer than women.

~80%

of all liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinoma.

Our liver cancer research

Cancer and Chronic Disease Research Group

This lab, led by Professor Patricia Valery, is investigating the progression from liver disease to liver cancer. They also aim to identify why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people diagnosed with cirrhosis and liver cancer have poorer health outcomes compared to other Australians.

“There is still more work to do on interventions to reduce Indigenous mortality from liver disease and liver cancer.”

Professor Patricia Valery

Hepatic Fibrosis

Led by Professor Grant Ramm, this lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of scar tissue formation in the liver. This leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis in adult liver diseases such as haemochromatosis. If left untreated, chronic liver disease can lead to liver cancer.

“Our investigation of haemochromatosis also sheds light on broader implications for iron-related diseases and their treatments. We know diagnosis is crucial to management, but the variability of symptoms means people are often diagnosed late when significant damage has already occurred. By better understanding the mechanisms behind these conditions we aim to pave the way towards improved diagnostics and targeted therapies."