Science Talk

When cancer research hits the headlines, it’s often clinical trial results or a potential new test or treatment for patients. However, these breakthroughs would never be possible without earlier fundamental discoveries by scientists in the lab. Hannah Taylor Lewis takes a look at the role of discovery science in cancer research.

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research have helped discover and develop many targeted treatments that are enabling cancer patients to live longer and with a better quality of life. Sally Steadman-South explains what these research advances have meant for her and her family, and why she needs this work to continue.

Earlier this year, ICR researchers were given a unique opportunity to image a primary tumour from a patient and discuss it with them as part of a documentary for BBC Four, airing on Monday 24 June at 9pm. Here, we show some of the amazing images they produced and explain how their related research is advancing our understanding of melanoma.