Scientists in Scotland are working on new methods to improve cancer drugs and believe they have made a breakthrough in their fight to deliver an "invisible" cure for cancer.

According to experts from Edinburgh University, using non-toxic platinum light-sensitive compounds, they are able to reduce the side effects usually associated with cancer drugs.

The platinum compounds are used in photo-activated chemotherapy (PACT), which target only malignant cells and are activated by lasers directed at cancer cells, meaning that the usual side effects of hair loss and sickness are greatly reduced, while the scientists also think the PACT process can be developed to improve treatment of cancer.

"Our research is now entering an exciting phase as we consider what further developments will be needed for potential clinical use," Professor Peter Sadler, project head of Edinburgh University's school of chemistry, told the Scotsman.

He added that the research is "encouraging" and could help to significantly reduce the side-effects seen in current cancer drugs.


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