Hope for cancer victims as scientists develop drug that sends cells to sleep to stop them spreading

Cancers can be put to sleep to stop them multiplying, scientists have discovered.  

A new drug called Aflibercept tricks tumours into becoming dormant by flipping molecular switches in the structure of the cancer so it cannot spread.

Positive results are being seen already in the UK, where trials have seen patients enjoy a 'significant' extension of life.

More than 1,400 patients were involved in trials, with some participants with advanced bowel cancer who had already had chemotherapy prolonged life by two years.  

Scientists think the drug could be used across a range of different cancers in future studies.