Liver cancer is one of the world’s deadliest cancers. And, it’s particularly common in China.  Now, new technology could bring hope to patients.

CGTN’s Frances Kuo reports.

Only two tenths of a milliliter of blood is all it takes to detect the early signs of liver cancer.

That’s the premise behind a detection kit designed by Chinese researchers from Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital.

It’s able to identify seven different markers for the disease, with an accuracy rate of 90 percent, according to one hospital official.

Besides a diagnosis, the test can also be used to evaluate what treatment will be most effective.

“After receiving surgical treatment, interventional therapy, medical treatment and radiotherapy, this test can evaluate the therapeutic effects,” said Zhou Jian, Deputy President of Zhongshan Hospital. 

“For example, if the test results used to be higher than normal, and they go down or turn to normal after treatments, it means that the treatments work.”

Researching and developing the test took nine years.

Liver cancer is one of the world’s most prevalent cancers.  China accounts for more than half of all new cases.

Patients typically don’t show symptoms early on.  When the disease is discovered, it’s estimated about 80 percent of patients have already reached the middle or late stages.

This year, the kits will be distributed to more than 20 provinces across the country, delivering hope for patients.  Five-year survival rates are expected to rise by as much as 30 percent.