New drug that can kill cervical cancer virus on the anvil

A group of researchers at Leeds University has decoded the way the human papilloma virus causes cancerous changes and are now working with chemists to adapt existing antiviral drugs to block cervical cancer.

“We are very excited because this discovery gives us the opportunity to attack this cancer-causing virus for the first time which we hope will be able to prevent cancer developing,” the Daily Express quoted lead researcher and virus specialist Dr Andrew Macdonald as saying.  

The researchers are trying to develop more powerful treatments, which they hope could be on trial within the next five years.

Cervical cancer, which two years ago killed reality TV star Jade Goody at the age of 27, has been on the increase in the developed world and it is now the second most common cancer in women.