Scientists say they have developed a way to deliver lethal drug doses to tumours without causing side-effects, such as nausea and hair loss. The Australian team has used nanotechnology to create tiny particles which specifically attack cancer cells, but leave healthy tissue unaffected.
The particles - or mini-cells - are tagged with anti-cancer antibodies so they zero in on their target. The research features in the journal Cancer Cell. There is no other system where you can get so much drug concentrated into a little parcel. It is hoped the technique could treat tumours in the breast, ovaries, colon and lungs.
So far it has been used in mice and dogs, and the researchers plan to begin human trials shortly.
Traditional chemotherapy typically involves subjecting the patient's entire body to powerful drugs, which can cause a range of severe side-effects.
More from the BBC...