Science Talk
With our Science Talk blog, we hope to lift the lid on the black box that is the ICR: to show you inside our labs, to introduce you to a few of the people here who make the discoveries, and to allow them to tell some of the stories behind the science. We try to put our discoveries in a wider scientific context, and give an idea of how our science is actually done. We also give you the view from the ICR of important developments in the wider world of cancer research.
“There cannot be enough research into cancer. That’s why a legacy gift makes perfect sense” – Jolyon’s story
Jolyon, 75, faced his own cancer diagnosis in 2018 and has also seen members of his immediate family and ‘too many friends’ touched by the disease. That’s why he has pledged to leave a gift in his Will to fund our ground-breaking research.
The impact of selective recruitment to clinical trials
Clinical trials offer people living with cancer the opportunity to try a new treatment while also helping the research community work towards defeating the disease. But could a selective recruitment approach be holding back both patients and scientists?
“I like to think I am contributing to our breakthroughs in cancer research” – Rick’s melanoma story
Rick Freedman, 50, who is Head of Research Finance at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), explains why our summer fundraising appeal, which is supporting our melanoma research, holds personal significance for him…
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“I’m so grateful for cancer research, I have directly benefitted from it” – Bea’s melanoma story
Bea Buckley, 40, was diagnosed with stage 3b acral melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer, in 2022. After three surgeries and 12 months of targeted therapy, she is now disease-free and feels hopeful about the future.
A decade of supporting robust scientific discovery: the Chemical Probes Portal celebrates its 10th birthday
10 years on from their call-to-action paper, Ben Kolbington speaks with the Chemical Probes Portal team on the progress they've made and what they still hope to achieve in their mission to improve the quality and robustness of biomedical research.
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“Without immunotherapy, I wouldn’t be here now. I feel so lucky” – David’s melanoma story
David Bateson, 49, was first diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in December 2019. By August 2021, it had spread to his liver, lungs and spine. Thanks to immunotherapy treatment, David has gone from having aggressive cancer to having no evidence of disease in his body. He explains why he now has hope for the future and a new-found appreciation of life…
"Every day is valuable" - Sally’s melanoma story
Sally Steadman-South, a mother of two from Sheffield, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2014 at the age of 34, after visiting the GP about a small mole on her chest.
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The physics behind precision: Professor Steve Webb and the evolution of radiotherapy
Over the last four decades, radiotherapy has seen a technological revolution – evolving from broad, relatively simple deliveries to highly targeted, patient-specific treatment. Few individuals have played a more pivotal role in its transformation than Emeritus Professor Steve Webb, former Head of the Joint Department of Physics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
“New breast cancer drug capivasertib is allowing me to live life to the full” – Elen’s story
Elen Hughes was first diagnosed with primary invasive lobular breast cancer in 2008 at the age of 37. Eight years later, her cancer returned and spread, and she has been on a rollercoaster journey ever since, experiencing the highs of remission and the lows of numerous relapses. Since February 2025, she has been treated with the drug capivasertib, the discovery of which was underpinned by research at The Institute of Cancer Research. She is now doing well and feels hopeful for her future.
"I am grateful for my treatment plan and the fact that it worked" – Sophie’s blood cancer story
Sophie Norman had just turned 16 when she was diagnosed with the blood cancer acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in the summer of 2021. Now aged 19 and cancer free, she is in her first year at Bath University, studying Biochemistry. She is looking forward to a career in medical research, inspired by the scientists she met at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) during a work experience placement in our Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery.
Tackling all types of blood cancer is key to improving outcomes for patients
Blood cancer is an umbrella term for cancers of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system.
“I try to live my life the way that Ellie would be living hers” – Karen’s story
Karen Mawdsley’s daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), an aggressive brain tumour, in December 2021. She sadly passed away in July 2023, aged 23. Ellie was determined to improve the lives of young people with brain cancer and selflessly donated her brain tissue to The Institute of Cancer Research. Her parents, Karen and Ian, are continuing her legacy and have set up The Ellie Mawdsley Foundation to raise awareness and fund further vital research into brain tumours in Ellie’s memory.
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ASCO 2025: Research from the ICR and The Royal Marsden takes centre stage at major conference
The 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held from 30 May to 3 June, brought together leading oncologists and researchers from around the world for one of the most significant annual events in cancer research.
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“Cancer research is beyond important, it gives people like me a sense of hope” – Markus’ leukaemia story
Markus was shocked when he was diagnosed with the blood cancer chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in 2021. Determined to break down barriers and start conversations about cancer, Markus turned to art as a way of sharing his experiences.
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, will converge at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Here are some of the highlights of studies presented by or involving researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and our partners at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust at ASCO 2025.
A new frontier in cancer research: the rise of radiotheranostics
Radiotheranostics is an exciting new field that has the potential to transform how cancers are detected and treated. Robbie Lockyer finds out more.
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How the ICR is pioneering virus-based cancer therapies through clinical trials
Clinical trials are an essential to part of cancer research. They allow researchers to test and refine promising treatments in people and potentially get them approved for wider use, to save lives. Without them, there would be no new drugs, no evidence-based care and no improvement in outcomes for people with cancer.
“I know I am alive today thanks to research” – Dorian’s blood cancer story
Dorian Burrows, 76, lives in Norfolk and was diagnosed with high-risk myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in 2019. As part of his treatment he was accepted onto the MUK9b OPTIMUM clinical trial, which was co-led by The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). He has now been in remission for nearly four years.
Accelerating progress in drug development for the childhood brain cancer diffuse midline glioma
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are one of the most aggressive and hard-to-treat childhood cancers. These primary brain tumours, which are also sometimes called diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), develop in the midline regions, including the thalamus, brainstem and spine, and most often affect children and young adolescents.
“I feel increasingly optimistic about the future” – Gemma’s myeloma story
When personal trainer Gemma Seager, 45, injured her back while lifting weights, she assumed it would improve with rest. But after 10 months of pain, she was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in June 2021. Thanks to treatment, she currently has no evidence of disease in her body and recently completed the London Marathon.