Policy on Research Using Animals

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) recognises and believes that despite progress made in the development of alternative models and systems, the limited use of animals in cancer research remains essential.  

Our policy is that wherever possible this should be reduced, refined or replaced and all animal studies are subject to continuing stringent review to ensure that no valid alternatives exist.

• Research on animals is essential in order to understand how cancer develops and to bring forward more effective treatments.  Although techniques like computer modeling and growing cancer cells in culture provide valuable information, the use of animals is necessary in order to understand cancer in the context of the whole organism, and especially to allow new treatments to be made safely available to cancer patients.
  
• The ICR adheres to the policy on animal research advocated by the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC).  It supports the principles of replacing the use of animals in research wherever possible, and reducing and refining experimental procedures to minimize the number of animals used in experiments.
  
• The ICR also endorses and complies with the use of the National Cancer Research Institute Guidelines for the Welfare and Use of Animals in Cancer Research.
  
• Each new research project using animals has to be licensed by the Home Office.  The license application must show that alternatives to animals have been considered and provide detailed evidence of the potential benefits of the research for human health.  
  
• All research projects at the ICR using animals are reviewed by our Ethics Committee, which has representation from members of the public.
  
• The ICR complies with all statutory legislation.   

Approved by the Board of Trustees – July 2011 – Minute Reference B/7/11/8