A new type of drug that targets a genetic weakness in an untreatable childhood brain cancer could become the first ever treatment designed to target the disease. The prototype treatment could also offer hope for patients with the rare and devastating ‘stone man syndrome’ – in which muscles and ligaments turn to bone.

A group of molecules which each simultaneously target two of the most common genetic faults behind an aggressive form of childhood cancer could lead to a potential new drug for the disease, a new ICR study suggests.

Professor Mel Greaves has been knighted in the New Year Honours List for his pioneering and hugely influential research into childhood leukaemia.