Primary cancers of the liver are the sixth most frequently occurring cancers globally but the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. Long-term survival rates are depressingly low for this deadly disease, and treatment is arduous and uncertain. For patients suffering from primary and metastatic liver cancer, the options at present are limited. Sirtex Medical Europe GmbH was founded in September 2003 after its Australian parent company received European approval (CE mark) to sell its product, SIR-SpheresTM microspheres. The procedure is commonly known in the medical community as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT). The device is based on novel small particle technology and promises patients an additional treatment option.