Renowned cancer specialists examine ailing Liu Xiaobo

Two renowned cancer specialists, one from Germany and the other from the United States, have joined a group of Chinese experts to examine Liu Xiaobo, a convicted criminal with liver cancer, who was released on medical parole.

On Saturday, Professor Markus W. Büchler from the University of Heidelberg and Professor Joseph M. Herman from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston checked on Liu at the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning province.

The two specialists expressed their support for the treatment plan that was made by Chinese experts. They agreed that Liu has received "high-quality treatment" since he was admitted to the hospital in June.

However, his liver cancer has reached a late stage and spread to other parts of his body. Further appraisals of his liver function are needed before any measures, such as chemotherapy are taken, they said.

At present, they agreed to continue to administer supportive treatment, such as nutritional support and pain relief.

Doctors found symptoms of cancer in Liu during a physical checkup in prison on May 31 and confirmed Liu’s diagnosis on June 7 after consultations with 22 medical experts. He was then granted parole to get better treatment.

Liu was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 for engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the government.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. However, China considers the award reflects poorly on the Nobel Committee, as Liu was convicted of criminal acts against the State before the prize was announced.