News and features

Scientists have discovered how breast cancer cells can ‘hibernate’ to avoid treatment and ‘wake up’ years later – causing a relapse that is more difficult to treat.

A new type of immunotherapy that targets non-cancer cells could help prevent the growth and spread of breast cancer tumours, according to new research from the ICR.

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, strongly welcomes the news that talazoparib (trade name Talzenna) has been recommended by NICE for the treatment of advanced breast cancer.

A new study has increased the understanding of an increasingly common complication of advanced breast cancer.

The ICR strongly welcomes the news that a new targeted drug, capivasertib, has been approved by the US FDA for treating the most common type of advanced breast cancer. The drug was discovered by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca following a programme of drug discovery research at the ICR in collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals.

Existing targeted cancer drugs could help even more patients, including some with the most common type of breast cancer, scientists have discovered.

Immunotherapy works by sparking the body’s own immune system into action against tumours. It has become a first-choice treatment for some types of cancer, and now there are exciting opportunities to unlock its benefits for more patients through research. Jane Shepley explores the story behind immunotherapy and how we can untap its potential.

Scientists have discovered why breast cancer cells that have spread to the lungs may ‘wake up’ following years of sleep - forming incurable secondary tumours.

The team of scientists who made a ground-breaking gene discovery which transformed the field of cancer research have been celebrated with the unveiling of two commemorative plaques in London today. The plaques pay homage to the 41 scientists who made the landmark discovery of the BRCA2 cancer gene at the ICR in 1995.

Removing a single protein from cells that surround tumours can improve the sensitivity of certain cancers to immunotherapy, researchers have found.

An innovative trial to detect relapse in breast cancer patients with circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has opened at our partner hospital, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The TRAK-ER trial, led by researchers at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, will establish a circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) surveillance programme for over 1,000 patiets with ER positive breast cancer who are currently receiving hormone therapy to reduce their risk of cancer returning.

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is urging NHS-England, NICE and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to continue discussions after the disappointing decision not to recommend targeted drug olaparib for women with early-stage, high-risk, inherited breast cancer.