Tumor removal surgery is considered one of the most effective methods of treating cancer for the time being. But there are side effects to this. Regrowth of cancer cells often takes place. Hence studies are being conducted to find a solution to stop cancer regrowth.

A research team from the University of Ottawa in Canada revealed a safe and inexpensive treatment by employing Viagra and flu vaccines that might stop cancer revival. Tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra) in combination with Agriflu were used in the research work.

Tumor removal surgery weakens the ability of immune system to eliminate the remaining cancer cells, which might spread to form secondary tumors. The research work by Rebecca C. Auer advocates the role of erectile dysfunction drugs to remove the brakes on natural killer cells by targeting MDSCs immune cells (Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells), while the flu vaccine provides an additional boost to the natural killer cells.

Human clinical trial to test the efficacy of the treatment is already underway.

The lead author Rebecca C. Auer, an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology stated, "If confirmed in clinical trials, this could become the first therapy to address the immune problems caused by cancer surgery."