New research has found the deadly Zika virus that can cause brain damage in infants can also be a cure for brain cancer in childhood, the Daily Mail reported.
Scientists conducted experiments and discovered the virus destroyed two kinds of tumours that affect children under five.
"Central nervous system tumours are the most common solid tumours in children and adolescents," co-lead author Dr Keith Okamoto told the Daily Mail.
Adding, "The peak incidence of medulloblastoma is in children aged four to five years. AT/RT has a higher incidence in even younger children, of up to two years old."
"The virus did not infect tumor cells indiscriminately. It is quite specific for tumor cells of the nervous system," Dr Okamoto revealed.
A preliminary clinical trial will soon involve mainly small children to test the treatment.
In 2013, Zika created fear around the world as the outbreak of the virus spread in pregnant women. Mosquitoes spread the virus. If pregnant women get infected it, their unborn child can develop a birth defect called microcephaly.
While it is no longer considered "an international medical emergency", the World Health Organisation (WHO) is still keeping a close eye on it.
The study was originally published in Cancer Research.
