PIONEERING scientists at the University of Southampton have made a major breakthrough in the treatment of a type of childhood cancer.

They have developed new antibodies that could increase survival rates for youngsters diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

Researchers at the Cancer Research UK Centre – located in the cancer sciences building next to Southampton General Hospital – have been working on the project for the past ten years.

They have created two new antibodies and investigated a third, which all work by triggering the body’s immune system to attack and kill cancer cells.

In laboratory tests 40 to 60 per cent of the tumours treated with the antibodies were destroyed.

The breakthrough will bring fresh hope to the families of the 100 children who are diagnosed in the UK every year with neuroblastoma.

The cancer takes the form of a solid tumour that normally develops in the abdomen and in most cases is diagnosed among under-fives.

Now scientists hope to carry out more laboratory work to make sure the antibodies – which would be given as an injection – are safe.