Australian scientists have uncovered another potential weapon in the battle against skin cancer - tea tree oil.
Perth-based researchers say the oil could form the basis of a fast, cheap and safe treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers and precancerous lesions.
A three-year study at The University of Western Australia (UWA) has identified a unique formulation of the oil shown capable of halting the spread of a solid tumour grown under the skin of mice.
Within three days, the tumours treated with the oil could not be detected.
"We are very excited about these results," said Dr Sara Greay from UWA's School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences.
"And (we're) hoping to find funding for a small clinical trial of about 50 people with precancerous lesions, with the aim of preventing the development of skin cancers."
Dr Greay said the anti-cancer effect of the tea tree oil appeared to come from activating the immune system to target the tumour.
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer worldwide with around 434,000 people treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers every year.
This type of cancer usually causes a localised tumour and it is not as serious as melanoma, which can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
The research was carried out in collaboration with Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and Novasel Pty Ltd.
The study results were published online in the journal Cancer Chemotherapy Pharmacology.
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