Scientists in the United States say they've made a discovery that could lead to more comfortable forms of cancer treatment than traditional methods.

At the moment, cancer is usually treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

But while these methods help to remove or destroy cancerous cells, they can also cause serious side effects, including fatigue, hair loss and nausea.

The researchers, at the University of California, say they've now discovered a family of chemicals that destroys the cells without damaging healthy tissue nearby.

They say, however, that it's too early to tell whether this treatment is more effective than current cancer remedies.