University of Manchester researchers are investigating how new chemotherapy drugs kill cancerous tumours without developing dangerous side effects.

Dr Stephen Taylor and Karen Gascoigne at the university's faculty of life sciences are studying anti-mitotic drugs, which are used for ovarian and breast cancer.

Side effects of some cancer-busting drugs include permanent nerve damage and loss of sensation in the fingers.

Dr Taylor said that to cut out neurotoxicity, new anti-mitotics need to be generated and studied.

"Early clinical studies show that these drugs do not result in significant neurotoxicity. The big question now is whether they will have anti-tumour effects," he explained.

The findings so far have been are published in the journal Cancer Cell.

Last month, the university and GlaxoSmithKline announced a new research alliance.

Scientists from both parties will work together to identify new drug therapy opportunities and collaborate on projects.