Prof van Zandwijk says he does not want to raise false hope, but he is cautiously optimistic the treatment will work.
"I think the whole concept is sound and we feel very reassured.
"While our preclinical research was confined to mesothelioma, we hope that this new approach to cancer treatment will also inhibit other tumour types."
Speaking at the launch, Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said: "This will allow further research into the most promising treatment for mesothelioma yet discovered. It means that we might have a cure in a few years."
Mentioning the sadness of losing a family friend to the disease, she said: "Anyone who has been touched by mesothelioma, and there are so many Australians who have been, will be so excited about this. It's just such a wonderful day."
The trial is made possible by a $1.2 million donation from the family of Andrew Lloyd, who died of malignant mesothelioma in 2011 after coming into contact with asbestos during building renovations.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/18257214/glimmer-of-hope-in-asbestos-cancer-battle/