Research by Oxford scientists could speed up attempts to wipe out cancer by targeting tumour stem cells.

A team from Oxford University has developed a new method of isolating cancer stem cells that can then be grown and studied in the laboratory.

The technique could pave the way for development of drugs that attack cancer at its root.

Dr Trevor Yeung, of the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, said: “Cancer stem cells drive the growth of a tumour. If we could target treatments against these cells specifically, we should be able to eradicate cancer completely.”

He added: “Radiotherapy and chemotherapy work against all rapidly-dividing cells. But there is increasing evidence that cancer stem cells are more resistant than other cells to this treatment. Stem cells that have not been eradicated can lead to later recurrence of cancer.

“It’s like trying to weed the garden. It’s no good just chopping off the leaves, we need to target the roots to stop the weeds coming back.”

The new research involves better ways of using molecular markers to identify cancer stem cells, and maintaining the cells in simple laboratory cultures.