Korean researchers have developed a substance that can be used to help treat liver cancer.

A team led by Seoul National University Professor Lee Jung-weon said on Monday that they have successfully identified TM4SF5, the cell membrane which triggers and spreads liver cancer.

They also said that they have developed a substance called "TSAHC," which can manipulate the cell membrane which causes the cancer.

Their findings have been published in the online edition of Hepatology, a leading journal in liver research.