Researchers at the University of Otago are at a crucial stage in developing a cancer vaccine using the rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD).
The therapy uses virus-like particles derived from RCD viral shells to trigger an immune response that targets only tumour cells.
Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Otago University Margaret Baird says trials have been conducted on mice which have proved extremely promising.
Researchers will now test the therapy on human cells.
Professor Baird says if it is successful in humans, the approach could offer significant advantages over traditional forms of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy.
