A GROUNDBREAKING new drug treatment developed in Southampton for children with advanced leukaemia and lymphoma is to go on trial this month.

The drug, BU12-SAPORIN, was developed at The Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Unit at Southampton General Hospital, which is funded by Leukaemia Busters, after ten years of research.

Clinical trials of the drug begin at 11 children's cancer care centres around the UK for those who cannot be cured by existing chemotherapy treatments or who have relapsed after a bone marrow transplant. It is the first time an antibody-type drug has been used in children in Britain.

The research is led by Dr David Flavell, the honorary scientific director of Leukaemia Busters, and his wife, Dr Sopsamorn Flavell, a senior scientist, who lost their only son, Simon, to the disease 11 years ago.

Dr David Flavell said: "BU12-SAPORIN uses a monoclonal antibody to deliver the very potent drug saporin selectively only to leukaemia cells.

"Our ultimate aim is a treatment which is not only more effective, but is safer and has fewer side effects. And we are committed to ensuring that this new drug is freely available to all children with leukaemia who are being treated at children's cancer units throughout the UK.

"But first, we must test this drug in children with relapsed leukaemia before we know its true effectiveness."

Only one other similar treatment is currently available at a private hospital in America at a very high cost.

Huge progress has been made over the past 30 years in the treatment of both childhood and adult leukaemia, with the result that more than seven out of ten children with the commonest form of childhood leukaemia are cured.

Dr Sopsamorn Flavell said: "It is breathtaking to look back at the long tortuous road that has brought us to where we stand today.

"It remains a very personal story in which our personal tragedy is a very powerful, positive driving force. Now, with a phase 1 clinical trial in children under way at 11 children's cancer centres around the UK, we are firmly on route to translating our laboratory findings into saving the lives of children."

The trial of the drug coincides with Leukaemia Busters' fundraising Grand Autumn Ball which takes place at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton tonight.

Sports stars Gary Lineker, pictured, the charity's patron, and David Gower, the charity's president, will be heading the proceedings.

Tickets for the event, which includes wine, food and entertainment, are available priced £70 per person. Call 023 8079 6528 to place a booking.