Jab to kill breast, bowel and cervical cancers
Monday 12 July 2010
A new injection has been developed that could help kill off deadly breast, bowel and cervical cancer tumours.
The jab works by stopping cancer from spreading, as tumours are much easier to treat when confined to one area of the body.
Researchers at Middlesex University found that the most aggressive cancer tumours produce a hormone usually only found in pregnancy, called hCG, which is used in pregnancy testing kits.
By revving up the body’s immune system, the vaccine helps it destroy the hCG, stopping the cancer spreading to other organs.
The potentially life-saving vaccine’s creator, Professor Ray Iles, reckons it could be on the market in as little as five years.
Breast cancer is Britain’s most common from of the disease, claiming over 1,000 lives every month.
Although initial trials on people have shown the jab to be safe, larger trials will be needed before it is deemed suitable for widespread use.
By Emily Gosling
it's great to report about positive developments in cancer treatment!