Human trials of a new anti-cancer drug could begin in six months after initial animal testing proved successful.

The Perth pharmaceutical company, Solbec, says when the drug was trialled on malignant mesothelioma in mice, it cured 30 per cent of cases with one dose.

Solbec's managing director, Stephen Carter, says the drug has been tested on terminally ill patients, but only after they have exhausted all avenues of treatment.

"Whilst we look at the animal studies and we look at how effective we have been in treating the animals, it is very hard to then turn around and say you can do that in humans," he said.

"But we have also treated humans and seen good results, so we know we can do it."

The Cancer Foundation of Western Australia says it is encouraged by the news, but is cautious.

The foundation's director of research and education, Terry Slevin, says there is no evidence yet that the drug will work effectively in humans.

"Animal studies are one thing, moving into the human realm is another big step," he said.

"It's very important to understand there may be a lot of adverse side effects or it may be in terms of lessening the impact that might have been observed in smaller animals."