There are few alternatives to effectively treat liver cancer. It is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Researchers have been looking for a means to slow the progression of the disease and extend survival times.

In an international clinical study presented in early June at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, doctors reported that they were able to boost life expectancy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

• Dr. Jennifer Knox, MD, MSC,FRCPC, Staff Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto. She is a clinical investigator involved in developing and conduct of clinical trials aimed at developing new therapies for cancers. Her area of expertise involves gastrointestinal and kidney cancers.