Obesity linked to liver cancer

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This new research, funded by the Cancer Council NSW, is investigating why a reduced level of the hormone, adiponectin, may be linked to tumour changes in the liver.

According to recent data, liver cancer rates have risen by 152% in the past two decades, and over a similar time period, obesity rates have increased by 41%.

Dr Libby Topp, Research Strategy Manager, Cancer Council, said: “The results of these projects could help prevent cancers by identifying cancerous gene faults early and lead to more effective treatments for cancers including brain cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer.”

The research projects will run for the next three years and will involve research teams from across Australia and internationally.

“Research led by Dr Lionel Hebbard will specifically look into the role of hormones and sugars in the development and progression of liver cancer and his results will be key to identifying new and better ways to prevent and treat liver cancer,” said Dr Topp.

Dr Lionel Hebbard from the University of Sydney said: “Our team is delighted to be awarded this grant from Cancer Council NSW that will help us investigate why the hormone adiponectin makes liver cancer grow significantly larger, and will help us develop novel ways to treat it.”

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