A specialist research unit has been given a £1m boost to investigate new cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

UK minister for life sciences George Freeman announced the funding during a visit to Edinburgh University’s Cancer Research UK centre on Friday.

Scientists at the complex in the university’s institute of genetics and molecular medicine will use the investment to develop new ways of treating cancer.

The experts have been developing harmless metal implants that could be put at the site of a tumour to locally activate chemotherapy drugs.

It is hoped this form of treatment would help avoid the complex and varied side-effects cancer patients can suffer when undergoing chemotherapy.

The implants will alter the chemical composition of commonly-used drugs so that they only become active when they come into contact with the metal.

The £1m funding has been generated by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Healthcare Technologies Challenge Awards scheme.

Chemist Dr Asier Unciti-Broceta, who specialises in cancer research, is leading the project.

Professor Jonathan Seckl, vice principal for research at the university, said: "Minimising the adverse effects of chemotherapy is one of the greatest challenges we face today.

"By locating a very talented chemist with the university’s leading biologists and outstanding cancer doctors, we have been able to come up with innovative new ways to target treatment to the cancer itself with fewer side effects."

Mr Freeman later visited the university’s Roslin Institute, which is also benefiting from funding. Scientists there are continuing their specialist livestock research.

Mr Freeman said: "The university and the city’s cluster of innovative businesses play a leading role in developing medical innovations and interventions which save thousands of lives."