New anti-cancer treatment may avoid debilitating side-effects

Scientists in Melbourne say they have discovered a new type of anti-cancer drug without the usual side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Research so far has shown progress in delaying cancer relapse as well as treating some types of cancers.

More than 15 million people each year will need chemotherapy by 2040. Source: AAP

The research, published in the journal Nature, shows the new class of anti-cancer drugs, in effect, put cancer cells permanently to sleep.The process of stopping the growth of tumours occurs without damaging any cell's DNA, which occurs in conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

The development of the drugs has been a joint effort between the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Cancer Therapeutics CRC, The University of Melbourne, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the CSIRO.