Medical experts say a new cancer and blood unit at the Mater Hospital could revolutionise treatment of the diseases for Irish patients.

The Oncology and Haemotology facility in the new Whitty Building is hailed as one of the first of its kind in the world - and will offer patients treatments designed specifically for their own conditions.

It's being opened by Professor James D Watson, who co-discovered the structure of the DNA molecule in the 1950s, which led to greatly improved cancer survival rates.

The 33 single rooms in the new Whitty Building are unique to Ireland, with air-filters and isolated patients preventing the risk of dangerous infections.

Oncologist at the Mater Hospital, Dr Des Carney says each patient is given treatments specifically designed for their condition - which he says is far more successful.