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.
The secrets of successful industry-academic partnerships
The Institute of Cancer Research, London – the world’s leading academic centre for drug discovery – has announced a major new strategic partnership with science and technology company Merck, and Cancer Research UK.
Here Dr Angela Kukula, Director of Enterprise at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) – and responsible for its interactions with industry – gives some tips on what makes a good collaboration between industry and academic researchers.
How our research is making radiotherapy smarter and kinder for cancer patients
We’ve come a long way from the early days of radiotherapy. Thanks to years of research, the treatment cures many patients, and we’re now working on ways to make it smarter, kinder and more convenient for them.
Immunotherapy: How we’re using the immune system to beat cancer
Immunotherapy is the latest revolution in cancer treatment. Bold claims have been made about its potential – but should you believe the headlines? And how does it work?
ASCO 2018: World’s largest cancer conference seeks to expand the reach of precision medicine
Leading cancer researchers from across the world are travelling to Chicago for the ASCO 2018 Annual Meeting, the world’s biggest cancer conference. The conference is aiming to ensure as many patients as possible benefit from latest advances in precision medicine – and ICR researchers are at the forefront.
Could childhood leukaemia become a thing of the past?
The ICR’s Professor Mel Greaves has revealed the likely cause of the most common type of childhood leukaemia, and that it might be preventable. Dr Claire Hastings explains the research findings, and what it means for children and their families.
Childhood cancer fundraiser named NHS Hero for supporting ICR research
Lynn Lucas co-founded the Chris Lucas Trust in memory of her son, who died from cancer of the soft tissues. Now she has received the NHS Hero Award for Fundraiser of the Year for her continued support for The Institute of Cancer Research, London. Lydia Brain, our Cancer Stories Officer, spoke with Lynn about her achievements and also met the ICR researcher whose lab has been supported for so long by the charity.
The long term impact of cancer; enabling patients to thrive and not just survive
Dr Olga Husson is researching the long-term impact of cancer on individuals who were treated for bowel cancer. Our Cancer Stories Officer, Lydia Brain, spoke to her and bowel cancer advocate Cara Hoofe on the importance of more research and better follow-up treatment pathways for patients.
Making a real impact on the lives of people with cancer
The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes. Our Internal Communications Manager Rose Wu writes about how we've helped to transform our understanding of cancer and how it can be treated in ever smarter, kinder ways to improve patient lives.
Communicating cancer research: my experience as an intern at the ICR
The ICR’s Communications Directorate is responsible for maintaining our website and social media channels, both vital platforms for promoting our world-class research. Solomon Brown, our first ever Digital Communications Intern, gives a personal view on his six months at the ICR.
New test for ovarian cancer mutation heads into clinical trials
Today, 8 May 2018, is the World Ovarian Cancer Day – and to mark the occasion our Communications Administrator, Tilly Haynes, spoke with Dr Rachael Natrajan and Dr Saira Khalique about innovative research which is driving the treatment of gynaecological cancers in the right direction.
Taking time out from cancer research to meet the future King
A team representing The Institute of Cancer Research, London, recently visited Buckingham Palace to receive a major honour from Prince Charles. Our Head of Media Relations, Ben Kolb, met two PhD students from the group to find out more about their experience of the day and life studying at the ICR.
Putting the person in personalised medicine
Dr Sam Dick, our Science Information and Policy Officer, considers the importance of assessing a patient’s views about their quality of life for the future of personalised medicine.
ICR researchers attending the 2018 AACR Annual Meeting tomorrow
As many of our researchers attend the AACR Annual Meeting – ‘Driving innovative cancer science to patient care’ - between 14th - 18th April in Chicago, here’s a snapshot of the exciting science they will be presenting.
Seeing the future of radiotherapy in the MR Linac
We are currently calibrating a revolutionary new type of radiotherapy machine, which is set to transform cancer treatment by allowing radiation to be aimed at tumours with extreme precision. The ICR’s Helen Craig experienced the MR Linac from the inside.
Can we be satisfied with progress on children’s cancer?
A new analysis of the impact of European regulations designed to bring through new treatments for children with cancer has expressed disappointment at the speed of progress. The ICR’s Dr Eva Sharpe finds out more.
The power of precision medicine in cancer drug discovery and treatment
Dr Olivia Rossanese is finding new ways to target cancer with drugs and previously, at GlaxoSmithKline, was in the team that discovered the targeted cancer treatment, and BRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib. Our Communications Administrator, Tilly Haynes, heard what she had to say about the future of precision medicine at The Economist’s ‘War on Cancer’ event.
How we’re tackling gender inequality in science
Professor Jessica Downs is our Professor of Epigenetics and Genome Stability, and an advocate for gender equality at the ICR. To coincide with International Women’s Day, here she gives a personal view on promoting equality for women in science.
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Why rare cancers deserve a greater focus and a more targeted approach
The theme of Rare Disease Day 2018 is research. We asked Professor Winette van der Graaf, Professor of Personalised Oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, to share her experiences of research into rare cancers and how this can improve outcomes for patients.
Do academic organisations make enough money from their inventions?
Dr Angela Kukula asks whether academic organisations should gain financially from lucrative discoveries – and proposes some solutions to the high costs of new cancer drugs.
Could Darwin help us outsmart cancer?
To celebrate Darwin Day, we invited Professor Andrew Read from Pennsylvania State University to talk to us about why cancer researchers should care about the founder of evolutionary biology, and why his 150-year old findings might just be the most important weapon we have to defeat cancer.