Scientists discover cancer’s Achilles heel

Scientists believe they have discovered a way to steer the immune system to kill cancers. Researchers at University College, London have developed a way of finding unique markings within a tumour – its “Achilles heel” – allowing the body to target the disease.

But the personalised method, reported in Science journal, would be expensive and has not yet been tried in patients. Experts said the idea made sense but could be more complicated in reality.

However, the researchers believe their discovery could form the backbone of new treatments and hope to test it in patients within two years.

They believe by analyzing the DNA, they’ll be able to develop bespoke treatment. People have tried to steer the immune system to kill tumours before, but cancer vaccines have largely flopped.