GOLD Coast researchers have cured a type of cancer in mice and hope to start human trials within a year.

The Griffith University scientists found the experimental drug alisertib rid mice of cancers of the cervix, skin, head and neck caused by the human papillomavirus.

While a vaccine for cervical cancer is available, it’s still the third biggest killer of women and survival rates are very low.

The researchers hope the drug may one day become a viable alternative to chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Professor Nigel McMillan, who has been working with the University of Queensland’s Professor Brian Gabrielli, said it was an exciting breakthrough in his long mission to find a cure for cervical cancer.

media_camera The experimental drug alisertib has rid mice of cancers of the cervix, skin, head and neck caused by the human papillomavirus.

“For the first time in a long time the mice are completely cured of cancer we gave them,” he said.

“A lot of our cancer therapies these days are very non-specific like chemotherapy and radiation so we’re trying to get something better.”

Prof McMillan said alisertib was already available in the US where in trials it had proven effective against blood cancers and some solid tumours.

“The nice thing about that is this is a drug that’s already gone into humans,” he said.

“We think we’ve discovered the most appropriate or new use for this drug. It means we can progress to clinical trials.”

Skye Dutson, 37, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2013 and had a hysterectomy.

“This provides a lot of hope for people,” she said.

“Younger women who want to have children, once you’re diagnosed the prospect of having more children is limited.

“The only treatment at the moment is radiation, chemotherapy or full hysterectomy and a lot of people don’t want to go through all that surgery,” Ms Dutson said.

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