Holy Grail Of Cancer Research?

Researchers in Britain say they may have found the "Holy Grail" of cancer research. WCBS medical correspondent Dr. Holly Phillips stopped by The Early Show to explains how it works.

PARP inhibitors are part of a new wave of cancer research, called "targeted chemotherapy."

What makes them different from traditional chemotherapy drugs is that they are able to target and kill cancer cell and leave healthy cells alone.

The big picture is that there are far fewer side effects; traditional chemo also affect healthy cells and can be harsh on the body.

Who is it for?

Dr. Phillips says so far these drugs have been tested on people who carry the breast cancer gene, also known as BRCA 1 and 2.

People who carry the gene have a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer; men who carry it have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer.

For them, the new treatment method was incredibly effective.