Australian scientists start research into thalidomide cancer treatment

Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-4-5 17:00:35

Scientists at the University of Western Australia (UWA) have received funding to carry out research into thalidomide to develop new treatment for cancer patients, the research-intensive university said on Friday.

UWA researchers will investigate the actions of thalidomide on cancers, including in the liver, blood and bone, it said in a statement released on Friday.

They will examine how a patient with cancer in the lower part of their bowel will respond to chemo- or radiotherapy, and tailor the treatment accordingly.

The researchers will also develop a technique to find small tumors early.

Thalidomide, the 'morning sickness' drug, was withdrawn form sale after causing serious birth defects in the 1950s. However, it is now being used to treat cancer, according to researchers at UWA.

The grant is part of a record nearly 3 million AU dollars (3.13 million US dollars) of funding from the leading cancer charity Cancer Council Western Australia.

Posted in: Biology

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