The 2011 International Forum on Cell Biotherapy, backed by the Chengdu High-tech Zone, was held in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, on July 30.

Experts present discussed the latest research results of tumor treatment such as targeting tumor stem cells and gene therapy. "More and more evidence shows tumor stem cells are probably the real cause of tumor spreading and recurrence. Developing pills targeting tumor stem cells gene treament is the new hope for eliminating tumor," Deng Tao said.

Deng, CEO and chief scientist of Medgene Biopharm Co.,Ltd , the sponsor of the forum, has done research on tumor stem cells for 5 years.

With the Tianfu Biotechnology Park in the Chengdu Hi-tech Zone as his company's research base, Deng said he wanted to be a leader in the stem cell therapy technology, benefiting Chinese tumor sufferers, especially liver cancer patients.

Fifty percent of the world's liver cancer cases are in China, he said.