Cardiff University scientists in cancer breakthrough Published duration 7 May 2015

image copyright Cardiff University/Mike Hall image caption The compound will now undergo further development before proceeding to clinical trials

Scientists working on stem cell research at Cardiff University believe they have made a potential breakthrough in combating cancer.

Researchers have identified a compound which targets aggressive tumour cells found in breast, pancreas, colon and prostate cancers.

The discovery has now been licensed to biotech investors Tiziana Life Sciences.

It is hoped the compound can eventually be developed for clinical trials.

The research was conducted by Cardiff University's European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute (ECSCRI) and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Scientists revealed details of the compound - called OH14 - on Thursday morning when the deal with Tiziana was made public on the London Stock Exchange.

Italian investor Gabriele Cerrone named the company after his partner who died three years ago from breast cancer.