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Small fragments, big impact: discovering the 'shearosomes' that drive cancer's spread

30/07/25

A collaborative study reveals an unexpected way cancer spreads through the body – by shedding tiny, previously unidentified fragments called shearosomes as tumour cells squeeze through narrow blood vessels. Shearosomes appear to actively influence their surroundings, supporting the growth of secondary tumours, offering new insights into how cancer spreads.
Turning cancer’s weakness into a weapon: 20 years of PARP inhibitors and BRCA research

29/07/25 - Robbie Lockyer

Two decades ago, a pivotal exchange between two scientists sparked a scientific and medical revolution. Professor Alan Ashworth, then Director of the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and his collaborator Professor Steve Jackson had long known that inherited genetic mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk of cancer. But, they wondered, what if those same mutations could be turned against the cancer itself?
Breast cancer cells (stained with anti-cytokeratin - green) invading through a layer of fibroblasts (stained for actin - red). Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI - blue
Breast cancer test predicts relapse risk in just two weeks – and could spare thousands of patients from unnecessary treatment

18/07/25

Thousands of women with breast cancer could be spared unnecessary treatment, thanks to a simple test which can identify whether or not their cancer is likely to return – just two weeks after starting treatment.
A picture of a radiotherapy machine in a hospital
Targeted radiotherapy just as effective for low-risk breast cancer and reduces risk of side effects

15/07/25

Thousands of women who undergo radiotherapy for low-risk breast cancer could be spared some of the side effects of treatment after a study confirmed that more targeted treatments are just as effective at controlling the disease in the long term.
Cells in pink are more clustered in the centre of the image, and spread out further away
Scientists discover how to remove skin cancer’s protective armour and stop it spreading

11/07/25

Scientists have uncovered a protein that acts like a ‘suit of armour’ for cancer cells, shielding them from hostile environments and allowing one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer to spread through the body.
New study reveals how oesophageal cancer adapts to treatment

03/07/25

Researchers have tracked how the most common form of oesophageal cancer and its immune environment change during a standard form of treatment – offering vital clues that could shape future therapies, so they work for longer.
Nurse testing a diabetes patient's blood sugar level
Newly discovered role of enzyme could explain link between diabetes and cancer

25/06/25

Cell biologists have made a significant advance, uncovering the key role of an enzyme in determining the physical structure and behaviour of cancer cells, including how they spread.
Maggie Cheang pictured smiling.
ICR researcher awarded prestigious lectureship for practice-changing breast cancer research

23/06/25

Dr Maggie Cheang, a breast cancer researcher at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has been awarded the prestigious CL Oakley lectureship.
Multiple trays of small, transparent containers or vials filled with liquids
Scientists find new way to predict how bowel cancer drugs will stop working

20/06/25

Scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, have developed a tool that can predict how bowel cancer adapts to treatment – helping researchers to design new personalised drugs that will keep patients living well for longer.
Dr Stephen John Sammut standing in front of the ICR's Chelsea labs
ICR scientist wins highly regarded award for early-career biomedical researchers

19/06/25

Dr Stephen John Sammut, a Clinician Scientist at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has been awarded one of the eight 2025 research prizes from the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine.
An image of bowel tumour organoids on a black background
Scientists uncover clues behind drug resistance in bowel cancer

16/06/25

Scientists have discovered clues which may explain why some treatments stop working for people with bowel cancer – causing around 16,800 deaths in the UK every year. The study, led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, could help clinicians make better use of current treatments and develop more targeted therapies for bowel cancer in the future.
Image of NK T cell lymphoma - stained purple
Thousands of blood cancer patients could benefit from new drug combination

12/06/25

Thousands of patients with a common type of blood cancer could benefit from a new drug combination, while others could see their disease kept at bay for longer.


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Through our close partnerships with The Royal Marsden and other key UK institutions, we're leading a wide breadth of cancer research across eight divisions and more than 25 research centres and strategic initiatives.