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.
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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.
“I am fortunate to be five years in remission and can plan for the future again” – Claire’s blood cancer story
In April 2019, Claire Shepherd, now 34, began feeling unwell and constantly fatigued. Having initially put her symptoms down to her hectic lifestyle, she was shocked to be diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Now, six years on and following successful treatment, she is in remission and making the most of every day…
Could a new form of targeted immunotherapy transform prostate cancer treatment?
Despite significant advancements in cancer treatment, immunotherapy has shown limited success in treating prostate cancer due to the unique resistance mechanisms of its tumours. However, researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, are optimistic about a new form of targeted immunotherapy that hopes to overcome these challenges.
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‘I know when it comes back, the next treatment will be waiting’ – Cecelia’s myeloma story
Cecelia Brunott, 48, was diagnosed with myeloma in 2020. She had a stem cell transplant and is currently taking a targeted treatment to keep her cancer stable. She lives in Farnham, Surrey, with her wife Eva.
What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer is an umbrella term for cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system.
“When I was diagnosed with leukaemia, I never thought I would still be here” – Karin’s story
Karin Manchester, 65, was told she had a week to live after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a type of blood cancer, in 2004. Thanks to successful treatment and taking part in a clinical trial, she has been in remission for over 20 years.
“A cancer diagnosis at the age of 16 is a lot to process” – Roslyn’s story
Roslyn was 16 when she was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Now 27, and following successful treatment, she is running this year’s London Marathon to mark 10 years being cancer-free and to raise funds for our vital research.
“I wake up every morning feeling grateful to be here” – Julius’ myeloma story
Julius, 66, is a Black Belt 6th Dan karate instructor. Having been fit and healthy all his life, he was shocked to be diagnosed with stage 3 myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in September 2019. Now, thanks to treatment, he is in remission and continues to enjoy the martial arts that have been his passion for over 40 years.
How advances in technology are speeding up the discovery of new cancer drugs
In the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, manual methods in research, such as pipetting, are taking a step back as sound waves help to deliver breakthroughs in cancer research. Robbie Lockyer spoke with the scientists using this pioneering technology.
“I’m glad to be doing something that links me to mum and dad” – Emma’s story
Emma Godden, 51, has lost both her parents to cancer. Her dad, Arthur, passed away in 1986 when she was just 13 and her mum, Pauline, died in 2018. She reveals why she hopes to make a difference for cancer patients in the future by running this year’s London Marathon to fund our vital research.
ICR ramps up genomics capability with latest sequencing technology
The ICR, in collaboration with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, has now taken delivery of the latest genome sequencing device, the NovaSeq X Plus. In this blog post, Mark Jones speaks with Shichina Kannambath, Manager of the ICR’s Genomics Facility, about what this technology will mean for our research capabilities.
“During my cancer treatment, running a marathon became my goal” – Mary’s story
Mary Nassiri, 47, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2021, just six months after her sister had received a similar diagnosis. During her treatment, she promised herself that once she recovered, she would run a marathon. Now, four years on, she is preparing to take part in the 2025 London Marathon and in doing so, she is raising funds for our vital research.
“No one wants to hear they have cancer at 18” – Nadia’s story
Nadia, 28, is running her third London Landmarks half marathon for the ICR. She explains why supporting our vital research is so important to her.
“Megan would be so proud of what we are doing” – Jane’s story
Megan Kelly was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing sarcoma at the age of 18, following two years of poor health. Despite undergoing gruelling treatment, she passed away 18 months later in December 2020. In her memory, her family and closest friends set up Megan’s Rose of Hope, a charity dedicated to making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Here, Megan’s mum, Jane, shares her story and explains why supporting the ICR’s vital research is so important.
Why Climb of Life is taking fundraising to new heights
In 2007, Graeme Chapman embarked on a mission to raise money for The Institute of Cancer Research. Eighteen years on, his annual fundraising event is still going strong and has raised more than £1.5m for our vital research. Here, Graeme explains what inspired him to start, and reveals his top tips for fundraisers.
“Errol was brave and fearless – we feel his loss enormously” – Rider’s story
Rider McDowell’s son Errol was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a fast-growing malignant brain tumour, when he was 12. Despite six years of intensive treatment, Errol passed away in 2018. Before he died, Errol was committed to raising money to fund more research into childhood cancer – and today, his younger brothers, Mac and Piers, continue his legacy, hoping to raise £1m for cancer research in the UK.
Becoming a cancer researcher – our scientists' top tips and advice
Cancer research is made possible because of the diverse range of subjects, careers and people which contribute towards it. It is a great option for people with a variety of skills and interests. There are many different pathways available to help make the discoveries that defeat cancer. Science is a diverse field and there really is a place for everyone.