Researchers have discovered details of how asbestos-related tumours grow.

They say the finding could lead to better treatments for victims of mesothelioma – a fatal lung condition generally caused by exposure to asbestos.

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered that mesothelioma tumours can transform into blood vessels in order to improve their own growth.

Current tumour treatments target blood vessels that grow into cancer, not the other way around.

“Instead of waiting for the outside of the tissue to grow blood vessels in, the tumour cells themselves branch out, growing blood vessels that reach out into surrounding tissues, tapping into the native vasculature,” researcher Associate Professor Sonja Klebe told reporters.

“So I think a future approach would involve treating both of these types of vessels to more or less starve the tumour of blood supply.”

Over 600 Australians die each year from cancer caused by asbestos exposure, one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world.

“I think a cure for mesothelioma is not on the horizon in the immediate future, largely because we don't detect the tumours early enough,” Associate Professor Klebe said.

“But I think we are closer to finding treatments that will prolong life, with less impacts on quality of life.”