Australian scientists have discovered a gene linked to the cause of the most common form of childhood cancer, neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the nervous system which is often only diagnosed after the cancer is fairly advanced.

Neuroblastoma survival rates have been stuck around 50 per cent for years, but researchers at the Children's Cancer Institute say their latest finding could provide new targets for therapy.

Dr Tao Lui says the team discovered that DNA once considered ‘junk’ appears to be involved in causing neuroblastoma.

He says a long non-coding RNA is directly linked to poor survival rates for patients with neuroblastoma tumours.

It is still early days, but the finding will be added to a growing base of knowledge on the deadly condition.

Scientists recently discovered that another gene, MYCN, appears to contribute to the progression of neuroblastoma.

Researchers say they will continue to increase their understanding of what leads to the development of Neuroblastoma, while looking for more treatment targets for the rare and devastating illness

The latest research is published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.