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The Institute of Cancer Research
Where we make the discoveries that defeat cancer

We are a world-leading cancer research institute, a charity, and a member institution of the University of London. Public donations and clinical partnerships are helping us to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

We discovered that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the idea that cancer is a genetic disease. We've discovered many cancer-related genes – including BRCA2 – and revolutionised radiotherapy to make it more targeted, with fewer side effects. We discover more new cancer drugs than any other academic centre in the world.

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ASCO 2025: Experts gather to showcase their ground-breaking cancer research

From 30 May to 3 June, the world’s leading oncologists and researchers, including scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, converged at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting – a premier event in the global cancer research calendar.
Highlights from the ICR News from ASCO 2025

Some of our latest cancer discoveries

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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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Silencing gene may combat formation of radiation-induced scar tissue, a new study reveals

04/06/25

A new study suggests that silencing CXCL12, a gene involved in tissue scarring and repair, could help reduce the formation of scar tissue that can caused by radiotherapy. Ultimately, the researchers hope this approach could improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and reconstructive surgery.
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ASCO 2025: One-time cell therapy offers long-term survival hope for patients with advanced melanoma

02/06/25

A one-time immunotherapy treatment using a patient’s own immune cells has shown long-lasting benefit for people with advanced melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, according to new five-year follow-up data from a pivotal clinical trial.
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ASCO 2025: Next-generation breast cancer drug targets tumours before they have a chance to grow

01/06/25

A powerful new drug for advanced breast cancer can be used to treat emerging tumours, months before they have a chance to grow, helping to keep patients well for longer and delaying the need for later-line therapies including chemotherapy. Results of a global study, funded by AstraZeneca and co-led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institut Curie, Paris, were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago on 1 June 2025.
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See all discoveries & news

More than 120 research groups

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Our research centres & divisions

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.

ICR research centres Our divisions

More than 120 research groups

Find a researcher at the ICR

Need to find a specific expert or members of our research group or divisions? Just search by role, division, name or browse our researchers A-Z:

Browse full researcher A-Z directory

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Cancer research PhDs

Our competitive PhD programme is designed for the next generation of world-leading cancer research scientists, offers an above average stipend and exceptional facilities.

Current PhD projects Student life and support

Your donations go directly into funding our cancer research

Fundraising for us

Discoveries at the ICR are made possible by a range of fundraising sources, from charity partners to sports fundraisers, corporate donors and philanthropy.

Fundraise with us Fundraising events

Your donations go directly into funding our cancer research

Make a donation today

A monthly gift can help support our research over several years, so it has the maximum possible benefit for people with cancer.
With Gift Aid you'll also be able to add 25% at no extra cost to you

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With your generous support, we can continue making more discoveries, finding more cures, and saving more lives.
With Gift Aid you'll also be able to add 25% at no extra cost to you

Please choose a donation amount.

Other ways you can donate

Many of our biggest discoveries have been made thanks to legacy pledges, donations in memory and philanthropy, as well as through partnerships with corporations.