"It allows tissues not affected by the cancer to have a lower dose of radiotherapy, which will hopefully reduce the side effects, " Dr Roy added.

BBC: Radiotherapy mask

The UK trial - in which all eligible children will receive immunotherapy - will attempt to reduce the severe side effects seen in the US study.

BBC: Trial launched into neuroblastoma child cancer

Encouraging data are also expected this weekend for an approach in which potent doses of chemotherapy are linked to antibody drug such as Roche's Herceptin to deliver chemo more directly to the tumor like a guided missile, to reduce the toxic side effects of chemo.

WSJ: New Cancer Drugs Use Body's Own Defenses

This also could reduce the burden of side effects from medications.

WSJ: New Strategies for Treating Diabetes

Dr Walker said that as well as proving to be an effective treatment, the combination therapy should also greatly reduce side-effects for the patient.

BBC: You are in: Health

Right now, Pharmacia (nyse: PHA - news - people ) and Merck (nyse: MRK - news - people ) rule the arthritis market with Celebrex and Vioxx, which reduce inflammation without causing side effects like ulcers in the stomach or intestine.

FORBES: Next For Novartis: An Arthritis Drug

In both that study of Aricept, presented a week ago, and a study of Exelon presented last year, the drugs helped reduce problematic behaviors in Alzheimer's patients, with few side effects.

FORBES: Use Widening For Alzheimer's Drugs