Liver doctors adjust treatment for Liu Xiaobo

Doctors treating Liu Xiaobo for liver cancer have adjusted his treatment due to changes in the patient's condition, according to information released late on Wednesday.

The First Hospital of China Medical University said specialists had noticed an increase in ascites, an excessive accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, during examinations on Liu, a convicted criminal released by China on medical parole.

Based on this, doctors had decided to modify the patient's treatment, the hospital said. It added that Liu's family had been informed and had shown understanding.

The team treating Liu is being led by professor Mao Yilei from Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Other doctors consulted included Wu Peihong, Qin Shukui, Jiao Shunchang, Li Yexiong and Li Xiaoguang, the hospital said, although it did not disclose what institutions they are from.

The hospital said earlier this week that, at the request of Liu's family, specialists from countries including the United States and Germany have been invited to join the Chinese team.

Liu was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 for engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the government. He was paroled after being diagnosed with liver cancer in June and admitted to the First Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, Liaoning province.