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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.

Some of our latest cancer discoveries

CT scan of the human body
Overuse of CT scans could cause 100,000 extra cancers in US

14/04/25

The overuse of CT scans could cause over 100,000 cases of cancer in the US – with almost 10,000 cases in children, researchers have warned.
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Proliferating cells in a tumour organoid of triple-negative breast cancer. Image credit: Dr Rebecca Marlow / ICR
ICR welcomes NICE recommendation of capivasertib for advanced breast cancer

10/04/25

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, strongly welcomes the decision by NICE to recommend the targeted breast cancer drug, capivasertib, in combination with fulvestrant, for treating the most common type of advanced breast cancer with specific biomarker alterations (PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN).
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An image of prostate cancer cells taken using an automated fluorescence scanning system
Simple spit test could finally turn the tide on prostate cancer

09/04/25

A spit test, where a sample can be collected at home, is more accurate at identifying future risk of prostate cancer for some men than the current standard PSA blood test, according to a study by ICR scientists.
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By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography.co.uk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143473295
ICR and life sciences company QBiotics launch new collaboration to study potential cancer drug derived from rainforest tree species

03/04/25 - Alison Halliday

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, are collaborating with life sciences company QBiotics to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms of a potential new cancer drug.
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See all discoveries & news

More than 120 research groups

Lab - View of a lab with scientists working

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

Gowned students sat in a line at graduation

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.