The protein is produced in high quantities in tumours

They have identified a protein, MSF, which is produced in high quantities in tumours and are looking at ways of measuring its level in patients.

By establishing how much MSF a tumour produces they hope to be able to gauge how the cancer might progress.

This would help doctors decide on the best form of treatment.

This research has prompted funding of more than �150,000 from the charity Breast Cancer Campaign.

The research team, led by Dr Ana Schor and Professor Seth Schor, have also discovered that there are two different types of MSF.

'Pioneering research'

One is active and found in 90% of breast cancer patients, the other is inactive and usually found in people free of the disease.

They are now looking at the difference between the proteins.

Dr Ana Schor said: "We hope to develop tests which will allow us to quickly assess how much and which type of MSF a breast cancer patient has.

"This information may allow clinicians to predict the course of the disease and therefore which treatment would be the most effective for the patient."

Pamela Goldberg, chief executive of the Breast Cancer Campaign, said: "This pioneering research will play a major part in the future treatment of breast cancer which will be in drug regimes tailored to the individual patient."