Scientists in Yorkshire are hoping to develop a new treatment for cancer involving bursting bubbles with sound waves.

Experts from Leeds University are looking into the new approach which involves delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the site of a tumour by using ultrasound to burst bubbles containing drugs.

Small gas-filled bubbles are already being used in medicines to provide a clearer image on ultrasound scanners and they reflect a stronger signal than surrounding tissue when injected into the bloodstream. However some ultrasound signals burst the bubbles and this is the element which the scientists hope to develop further.

Existing chemotherapy drugs will be used initially but it is hoped that the approach could be adapted for new therapies to treat colorectal cancer and improve the standard of care provided.