The 21st Century
2000 / 2001
/ 2002 / 2003 / 2004
/ 2005 / 2006 / 2007
/ 2008 / 2009
2000
Cancer Genome Project begins at the ICR
The ICR leads the Cancer Genome Project, initiated
by Mike Stratton and Richard Wooster. It is being undertaken
in partnership with the Wellcome Trust's Sanger Institute.
The project aims to provide a complete description of
the genetic alterations that cause cancer.
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Professor Mike Stratton
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First testicular cancer gene is localised
Mike Stratton localised the first gene for testicular cancer
as a result of an international collaboration led by the ICR,
Imperial Cancer Research Fund and The Cancer Research Campaign
(ICRF and CRC merged in 2002 to become CRUK).
2001
New method of breast cancer diagnosis developed
A team in the Joint Department of Physics at the ICR,
led by Jeff Bamber, developed a new method of breast cancer
diagnosis called freehand elastography. This is an ultrasound
based procedure, which utilises the "tissue stiffness"
of a tumour. This results in a more accurate and useful image
than produced by conventional ultrasound.
2002
New cancer gene mutation identified as a result of Cancer
Genome Project
The first major discovery based on the work of the Cancer Genome
Project was made. Mike Stratton and his colleagues found that
a gene called BRAF is mutated in 70% of malignant melanomas
and 15% of colorectal cancers.
First low penetrance breast cancer gene discovered
Mike Stratton, working with Nazneen Rahman, identified the CHEK2
gene as the first low penetrance breast cancer susceptibility
gene. The gene encodes an enzyme, a protein kinase, which acts
in the same biochemical pathway as the two well-known high penetrance
breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Gene behind smooth muscle and renal tumours is found
Richard Houlston was one of the leaders of an international
consortium that identified a gene which predisposes to smooth
muscle and renal tumours and to uterine fibroids.
New drug is discovered for testicular cancer
Robert Huddart and colleagues developed a new treatment
using carboplatin which markedly improves the prospects for
men who have highly aggressive forms of testicular cancer.
2003
PETRRA scanner is launched
The PETRRA whole body cancer scanner was officially
launched at the British Nuclear Medicine Society’s
annual spring meeting. The scanner, result of a ten-year
collaboration between scientists at the ICR (led
by Robert Ott) and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories,
uses Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to detect the
early onset of cancer and to determine the spread and
rate of tumour growth at a high sensitivity.
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PETRRA positron camera
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Role of Aurora2 in breast cancer is revealed
Researchers from the Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer
Research Centre at the ICR and the University of California
San Francisco discovered the role of Aurora2 in breast cancer.
A form of the gene, which is over-expressed in 16% of all
breast cancers, is less able to interact with other genes
in the cell, making it more likely that these cells expressing
Aurora2 become cancerous.
2004
Gene responsible for bladder and prostate cancer is identified
Colin Cooper and colleagues discovered that the E2F3 gene is
implicated in both bladder and prostate cancer. The protein
produced by the E2F3 gene plays a crucial role in all human
cells by controlling cell division. However, in bladder and
prostate cancer cells the E2F3 gene is overactive and too much
of the protein is produced, leading to excessive cell proliferation
and the development of a tumour.
The Breakthrough Generations Study is launched
Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The Institute of Cancer Research
launched the Breakthrough Generations Study, led by Anthony
Swerdlow and Alan Ashworth. The study will examine the genetic,
environmental, behavioural and hormonal factors thought to
influence the risk of developing breast cancer. The aim is
to recruit more than 100,000 women within the UK aged18 and
over and the study will run for nearly half a century.
2005
MRI can be more sensitive than mammograms in detecting breast
cancer
Results of the national MARIBS study, led by Martin Leach,
showed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is almost twice
as sensitive as X-ray mammography in detecting breast cancer
in women at high genetic risk. MRI was found to be more helpful
in detecting tumours in women under the age of 50 with mutations
in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes.
'Search and destroy' targeted anti-cancer drugs
are developed
Professor Caroline Springer’s team developed
a series of anti-cancer prodrugs that are unique in
their efficiency at crossing the membranes of cancer
cells to destroy them. Scout enzymes first infiltrate
cancerous cells and lay dormant until non-toxic prodrug
molecules arrive. The enzyme and prodrug combine to
produce a potent cancer-killing drug. Non-cancerous
cells are unaffected, meaning fewer side effects for
patients in the future.
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Professor Caroline Springer
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Gene’s role in the development of skin cancer is unravelled
Claudia Wellbrock and Richard Marais, from the Cancer Research
UK Centre for Cell and Molecular Biology at the ICR,
found that damaged BRAF genes suppress the production of MITF
proteins. MITF blocks melanoma cell division; therefore suppressing
MITF causes tumours to develop more easily. The BRAF gene
damage is one of the earliest events leading to skin cancer.
Scientists discovered that artificially increasing MITF protein
levels suppresses melanoma growth in the 70% of cancers where
the BRAF gene is damaged.
New gene discovered with links to breast cancer
Researchers from the Breakthrough Tony Robins Breast Cancer
Research Centre at the ICR discovered a gene that regulates
the early stages of breast development and influences both
the number and position of breasts. The Scaramanga gene produces
a protein called NRG3 that provides a signal telling embryonic
cells to become breast cells. Inappropriate signalling during
adulthood is thought to lead to breast cancer.
2006
First complete structure of crucial anti-cancer drug target
is revealed
A team led by Professor Laurence Pearl used X-ray crystallography
to reveal the first complete molecular structure of Hsp90.
Found in all cells, the Hsp90 protein plays a vital role in
helping other proteins fold into their correct shape. Cancer
cells are especially dependant on Hsp90, so HSP90 inhibitors
will kill cancer cells but have a lesser effect on normal
cells. The elucidated structure may greatly help the development
of targeted treatments for cancers including prostate, breast,
bowel, ovarian and kidney.
Experimental Cancer Research Centre funding is awarded
The ICR, in partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS
Foundation Trust, is awarded Experimental Cancer Medicine
Centre status. Reflecting the scientific and clinical excellence
of the partnership, the award ensures specific funding for
drug development and enters the ICR and Royal Marsden
into a new network of the UK’s top cancer research centres.
New gene linked to skin cancer confirmed
Lead researcher Richard Marais and colleagues discover a
new gene linked to skin cancer development. When faulty, the
RAS genes activate C-RAF genes, which contribute to the development
of around one fifth of malignant melanomas.
New breast cancer risk gene discovered
Nazneen Rahman and colleagues have discovered that
women who have inherited a faulty version of the BRIP1
gene have a two-fold risk of developing breast cancer.
BRIP1 is a DNA-repair gene, like the already identified
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which predispose carriers to
increased breast cancer risk when damaged.
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Professor Nazneen Rahman
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2007
Proteomics project established
The ICR became partners in a new initiative at Imperial
College, London, aimed at studying the protein profile of
cells in health and disease. The Single Cell Proteomics project
will allow scientists to analyse the proteins being produced
in a single cell, and how these can be altered in cancerous
cells.
Biological properties of HSP90 drugs revealed
A new compound discovered by the ICR, CCT018159, has
been shown to be an inhibitor of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP
90). HSP 90 is a key cellular protein that, when inhibited,
will cause the breakdown of multiple cancer-causing proteins.
CCT018159 forces cancer cells into cellular suicide, and prevents
the spread of cancer cells and the formation of new blood
vessels in tumours.
2008
UK scientists uncover clue to cancer drug resistance
Professor Ashworth and colleagues have discovered a genetic
mechanism involved in the development of drug resistance in
breast and ovarian cancer cells carrying the faulty gene BRCA2.
Cancer cells are able to restore the functionality of BRCA2,
regaining the ability to repair their DNA and undermining
the effects of the drug treatment.
New study shows drug combats previously untreatable prostate
cancers
Abiraterone, a drug discovered at The Institute of Cancer Research, could treat up to 80 per cent of men diagnosed with
the most aggressive and usually almost fatal form of prostate
cancer. Clinical trials showed tumour shrinkage and reduced
prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels over two and half years.
The drug is expected to be available for general use in 2011.
New technique paves the way to identify proteins inside single cells
Professor Keith Willison and The Single Cell Proteomics Group at Imperial College developed a new technology to enable scientists to identify proteins inside a single cell. The 2DIR technique uses vibrations, caused by an ultra-short pulse of infra-red laser light, to detect and create a map of energy flow inside a protein, which can help identify it. This paves the way for a potential new method of studying proteins that is more sensitive than the methods currently used.
Combined computing and genetics reveal ‘weak points’ in cancer signalling networks
Dr Rune Linding and colleagues in the US created a new computational approach to understanding ‘signalling networks’ in cells. Billions of these networks control the cells in our body. If these networks are unable to adapt to problems that occur, this can lead to cancer. The new method combines computing and genetic tools to reveal how parts of a network relate to each other. This creates the possibility for improved treatments, which can target multiple genes or proteins in the cancer chain at the same time.
2009
Landmark Breakthrough Generations Study reaches 100,000 target
Sarah Brown has joined the world’s most comprehensive study into the causes of breast cancer, as it reaches its target of 100,000 participants. The Breakthrough Generations Study, set up in partnership between Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the ICR, started four and a half years ago and aims to understand the causes and development of breast cancer. The study will monitor these women for the next 40 years.
Scientists discover a crucial piece in the cancer jigsaw
Dr Janine Erler and colleagues have discovered that an enzyme called LOX is crucial in promoting the spread of cancer around the body, also known as metastasis. LOX works by sending out signals to prepare a new area of the body for the cancer to set up camp. Dr Erler believes that interruption of this process, using an effective drug, may prevent cancer metastasis, which paves the way for the development of new anti-cancer drugs.
Fewer treatments for infants with cancer
Professor Andy Pearson has led studies which show an increase in the MYCN gene to be a diagnostic factor for cancers that require more intensive treatment. The MYCN genes are known to be increased in about 25 per cent of neuroblastoma cases, and a greater prevalence implies a more aggressive cancer. These findings may spare infants with low-risk disease, which has the ability to spontaneously regress, from unnecessary chemotherapy.
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