Cancers could soon be destroyed by simply waving a Star Trek-style magnetic “wand” over the affected area.

The space-age technology, which uses microscopic iron particles to heat up and destroy tumours, may be ready for clinical trials in as little as three years.

Different teams of UK scientists have been working together on the research, which could bring new hope to patients who are no longer responding to standard therapy.

In future the “nanomagnet” cancer treatment may even be administered in GP surgeries or out-patient clinics.

Crucially, the scientists believe it will be highly cost-effective.

Professor Kerry Chester, one of the scientists at the University College London Cancer Institute, said: “We know that heat kills cancer cells, but you can't use it systematically without killing the patient.”