Researchers have uncovered an unusual tool for detecting cancer at an early stage and checking the progress of treatment for the disease.

Cancer Research UK's team discovered that MRI scans could track changes in bicarbonate, which occurs naturally in the body, to uncover cancerous cells.

Cancerous tissue turns bicarbonate into carbon dioxide so by studying this transformation, scientists could detect the disease.

Dr Ferdia Gallagher, researcher at Cancer Research UK's Cambridge Research Institute at the University of Cambridge, said: "Although it's early days, if this technique proves to be safe and effective in cancer patients it has the potential to be a crucial tool in detecting cancer earlier - which is often the key to successful treatment."

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, explained that the first stage is to take the process through clinical trials to check whether it is safe and effective.

She said if the trials are successful the treatment could become a "useful tool" that could "save many lives". ADNFCR-980-ID-18617933-ADNFCR

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