Cancer spread enzyme found
Scientists claim to have indentified an enzyme that allows cancer to spread around the body.
It is now hoped that drugs that block such an action could help to keep the illness at bay.
Cancer metastasis – which is when the disease spreads from its original location - currently accounts for around 90 per cent of cancer-related deaths.
Lead researcher Dr Janine Erler said the discovery was the "missing piece in the jigsaw" that scientists have been looking for.
"If we can interrupt the body’s ability to prepare new locations for the cancer to spread to, we can effectively prevent cancer metastasis," she explained.
She added that it is very difficult to treat the spread of the disease, but claimed that the breakthrough offers "real hope".
It recently emerged that Abstral - a new drug which has been developed to fight pain associated with cancer - has been approved for use in France and Spain.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with cancer
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