Liver & metabolic research

Westmead's Storr Liver Unit* is an internationally-acclaimed team of researchers exploring the diverse causes of liver injury, such as metabolic factors, viruses, drugs and toxins.

The team's long-term goals are to improve outcomes for patients with chronic liver diseases, and to prevent liver cancer.

Highlights

The Unit conducts cutting-edge research on how to better understand, treat and prevent liver diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver cancer and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

  • Researchers have developed the world's most comprehensive analysis of 'upper normal limits' for the liver enzymes that indicate NAFLD in adolescents
  • The Unit is in partnership with the Cancer Council NSW to map trends for liver cancer in the State (rates of liver cancer are growing faster than any other internal cancer)
  • The Unit is also working with the Cancer Council on an initiative called the B Positive Project to treat hepatitis B, in order to reduce the risk of developing liver cancer
  • Researchers are working on proteins to control liver scarring from hepatitis B and C, in order to reduce the risk of developing liver cancer

*The Storr Liver Unit was named for the late Professor Robert Storr, whose generous bequest made this world-leading research possible. Learn more about leaving a bequest >>

Sydney's Chinese community are long supporters of Westmead's Storr Liver Unit. 

Read about the fundraising dinner held to support the Storr Liver Unit. 

The incredible generosity of the community means researchers are able to continue the search for answers and cures, with the hope to one day irradicate liver disease and cancer.

 

    Please help us in our mission to reduce suffering and save lives. You can make an immediate and positive difference today.

    Liver cancer: fast facts

    • In NSW, liver cancer is rising faster than any other internal cancer
    • People born in parts of Asia are up to 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with liver cancer than non-Indigenous born Australians
    • Scarring caused by hepatitis B and C is a significant cause of liver cancer
    • Only an estimated 2 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B receive medication
    • Screening for and treating hepatitis B could reduce liver cancer by 50 percent in NSW