Czech cancer treatment sparks controversy

A private hospital in the Czech Republic has begun a controversial new treatment for cancer, against the advice of the country's health ministry and its leading medical association.

The treatment, called devitalization, involves trying to kill cancerous tumours by cutting off their blood supply, rather than removing them surgically.

It is used on tumours in the stomach, which are tied up.

The Czech Doctors' Association says the method is untried and goes against medical ethics.

The Czech Academy of Sciences has confirmed successful tests on piglets, but says that further tests are required before it is used on humans.

The Czech Health Ministry has warned the hospital is exposing itself to compensation claims if things go wrong.

Many doctors at the hospital have refused to be part of the programme.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service