Hong Kong University's faculty of medicine on Tuesday said it had developed a new technique which would make it faster to identify the precise treatment for liver cancer patients.

Using three-dimensional bio-printing, researchers produced cube-shaped models which mimicked tumours or cancerous cells.

Different drugs would then be administered to see which was most effective, saving the need for patients to go through clinical trials, as well as precious time.

"This will be very important in developing new treatments, or screen new drugs for the cancer patients, especially in new therapy," said Professor Man Kwan, who led the study.

To produce a "liver-in-cube", researchers must first collect tissue samples from the patient. The samples are then processed into "bio-ink", the essential ingredient for bio-printing.

Up to half a dozen cubes can be produced to speed up drug screening, as well as learn about the tumour's reaction to different treatments.

Man believed the technique could be applied to other types of cancer too.

"This technology can be applied on different cancers - not only for liver cancer, [but also] lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer as well," the surgeon said.

The technique is undergoing pre-clinical studies to affirm its safety and efficacy. Man would not disclose the cost for patients, citing confidentiality agreements with potential partners.