A biological material could hold the key to improving brain tumour treatment, academics have revealed.
The Nottingham University researchers want to use the biomaterial, developed to mend bones, to improve the delivery of drugs to patients.
The material has been developed to set at a temperature of 37C, the temperature of the human body.
The researchers say it could be pasted into the cavity that is left following brain cancer surgery and would allow the steady release of drugs over a period of weeks.
So far laboratory studies have been promising and have included simulated surgery. These have now been reported in the journal PLoS One.
They expect to begin studies involving patients within three years.
The biomaterial was developed at the university and is made from two micro-particles PLGA and PEG.
Researcher Dr Ruman Rahman, of the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, said: "Our system is an innovative method of drug delivery for the treatment of brain tumours and is intended to be administered immediately after surgery by the operating neurosurgeon.
"Ultimately, this method of drug delivery, in combination with existing therapies, may result in more effective treatment of brain tumours, prolonged patient survival and reduced morbidity."
Andy Foote, of The Brain Tumour Charity, which has backed the research, said: "We are proud to have funded this research, which we hope will lead to an exciting new treatment in an area where options are sorely lacking."
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