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A new drug, called PLX4032, has been developed to block a faulty molecule present in cancer cells. It kills the tumorous cells by blocking the activity of the BRAF gene, which is believed to be the cause of the spread of skin cancer.
The drug works at the molecular level, representing a seismic shift in cancer treatment. So far trials have involved just 31 people, but results have been very good.
The research work is being carried out by scientists at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York.
The drug is only a treatment for skin cancer at the moment, which could prolong life for sufferers. It is not currently capable of curing the condition, although scientists are hopeful that this could one day lead to a cure.
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