
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. It is the sixth most common type of cancer, accounts for around 90% of primary liver cancers, and is third most common cause of cancer mortality. HCC is particularly aggressive and has a poor survival rate (five-year survival <5%) and therefore remains an important public health issue worldwide. In Asia and Africa, factors for development include Hepatitis B and C infection, aflatoxin exposure (from crops), liver cirrhosis and hemochromatosis, while in developed countries, factors for development include diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). For unresectable HCC, the standard of care, Bayers Nexavar (sorafenib), prolongs survival by just three months, therefore more treatment options are needed.