Researchers to trial successful cancer treatment on humans
30 Jun 2008

Scientists in the US are set to trial a new cancer treatment on humans which has been proven effective in mice.

Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, the study will involve transfusing white blood cells of healthy donors into human cancer patients, a similar treatment to that used on lab mice.

Lead researcher and associate professor of pathology, Dr Zheng Cui, explained: "In mice, we've been able to eradicate even highly aggressive forms of malignancy with extremely large tumours.

"Hopefully, we will see the same results in humans. Our laboratory studies indicate that this cancer-fighting ability is even stronger in healthy humans."

The researchers are currently in the process of recruiting 500 potential healthy donors under the age of 50 to have their blood tested for levels of cancer-fighting activity.

Out of those tested, 100 volunteers will be chosen to donate their white cells to 22 cancer patients with solid tumours which are no longer responsive to conventional treatments or therapies.

In related news, pharmaceutical firm ProStrakan has revealed plans to seek EU approval to launch its anti-nausea cancer patch in Europe next year.

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