New cancer medication promises better results and fewer side effects

A powerful new chemotherapy drug that is claimed to have fewer side effects is being given to Australian cancer patients as part of a trial.

Pharmaceutical company Starpharma is trialling a new formula of the drug Docetaxel, which is 40 times stronger than previous versions.

The drug is injected into the blood stream of patients undergoing breast, lung and prostate cancer treatment and is reportedly better at targeting cancer cells without having an impact on healthy tissue.

Starpharma CEO Dr Jackie Fairley said none of the patients undergoing the trial had experienced hair loss.

"This is an Australian innovation and Australian company, but even better still Australian patients are getting access to this new therapy first," she said.

Breast cancer survivor Alison Mew experienced hair loss, painful mouth ulcers and nausea while undergoing treatment and described the new delivery method for Docetaxel as "fantastic".

"If you can get something that is targeted to the tumour, that is the key," she said.

Dr Fairley said Starpharma is looking for patients with solid tissue tumours who have not responded to other therapies.

For more information on the chemotherapy trial call 1800 266 076.