Researchers at James Cook University in Cairns are to study the medicinal properties of funnel-web spider and tarantula venom, in particular its influence on breast cancer cells.

Queensland Science Minister Ros Bates said the research was on the back of international studies that suggested certain toxins in spider venom could block cancer-causing enzymes. This information first came to light with the publication of a paper in 2007 in the journal DNA and Cell Biology.

"They are looking at ways in which the venom may be able to block or kill breast cancer cells - so it could actually lead to a cure," Bates told reporters on Friday. "It's very early days, but it's fairly ground-breaking research."

The research is being jointly funded by the Queensland state government, the National Health and Medical Research Council and funding from a Novel Concept Award from the Breast Cancer Foundation. It is expected to cost $200,000 AUD ($209,000 USD) over two years.