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.
Could a new class of cancer drugs light the way forward for treating leukaemia?
Targeting a group of malfunctioning components of cell division named after the Northern Lights may present a new way to treat leukaemia. Liz Burtally finds out the latest on this promising line of research.
Discovering hope: the future of drug research for prostate cancer
Technological advances are helping scientists to identify new drug targets for prostate cancer. Steve Robinson looks at some of the most exciting avenues for future treatment — and the challenges that must be overcome to make them a reality.
The promise of liquid biopsies — could a simple blood test change the future of cancer treatment?
Liquid biopsies could usher in a new era of personalised cancer treatment. Dr Claire Bithell explores the latest research in this fast-moving field.
Radioactive cancer drug radium-223 offers another treatment option for prostate cancer
Dr Eva Sharpe reflects on NICE’s decision to approve use of radium-223 pre-chemotherapy — and the impact it can have on the lives of patients.
The ICR summer studentship scheme: introducing undergraduates to the world of cancer research
Every year, the ICR invites applications for our summer studentship scheme allowing undergraduate students to sample life in a cancer research laboratory. In this post, Helen Craig explores the opportunities afforded by this scheme.
HRT and breast cancer risk
In this Science Talk blog post, Claire Bithell looks at what our latest research about HRT and breast cancer means for women.
Why our supporters fund PhD students in cancer research
The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is committed to training the next generation of cancer researchers. But why do our supporters choose to fund our PhD students? Graham Shaw spoke to head and neck cancer charity Oracle Cancer Trust to find out.
On Chris Marshall’s Wheel – a celebration of his scientific achievements
‘On Chris Marshall’s Wheel’ – gathered Professor Marshall’s friends, colleagues, peers and mentees to hear about some of the science around the world that his game-changing research had sparked or influenced. Liz Burtally picks out some of the highlights.
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Why clinical trials must change to give hope to children with brain cancer
Childhood cancers can be very different from adult cancers, even if they look the same under the microscope. Henry French looks back on a recent research summit which looked to a future of smarter clinical trials for children.
Using kinesin inhibitors to unmask cancer
Kinesins are vital components in the mechanics of cell division, and are emerging as feasible targets for cancer drug development. Liz Burtally finds out more about kinesin inhibitors, and what challenges lie ahead.
Personalised medicine is the talk of Chicago at the ASCO world cancer conference
Cancer can be tough to treat but personalising medicine using targeted therapies and screening programmes could benefit patients with cancer, and this was a major talking point at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Immunotherapy hits the headlines again
As further developments in immunotherapy-related cancer research are reported in the national media, Dr Claire Bithell reflects on the dramatic recent progress in this field.
ICR’s cancer research to be presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting
Rob Dawson looks at the wide range of cancer research being undertaken at the ICR that will be presented to an annual meeting of oncology experts in the US, which begins on 3 June 2016.
The science of team science: how working together helps to improve cancer research
At the Science of Team Science conference in Phoenix, Arizona, US, two presentations from the ICR highlighted best practice in drawing on a diverse pool of academic minds to boost cancer research.
Our Drug Development Unit celebrates its 10th birthday in style
An open evening celebrated 10 years of the Drug Development Unit by bringing together patients, relatives, healthcare professionals and scientists.
Tissue repair and cancer: how not to inflame the neighbours
The human body has remarkable abilities to repair itself after illness and damage, but these same mechanisms could help cancer bounce back from treatments designed to kill cancer cells. Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, are studying what happens during tissue damage and repair to see if it can provide clues for treating cancer.
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How our researchers gained top honour in UK science
Last week it was announced that two of our leading scientists have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society. Henry French discusses their research – and the crucial role it is playing in the search for new cancer treatments.
Immune therapies cause big reaction at AACR 2016
As American Vice President Joe Biden called for greater research collaboration at the AACR cancer conference, we look at the major themes emerging from the meeting.
Eight ways you can support the ICR’s groundbreaking cancer research in 2016
As our 25 runners prepare to take part in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2016 to fundraise for The Institute of Cancer Research, London, we look at eight more ways you can get involved and support our cutting-edge research this year.
Fresh excitement about cancer immunotherapy: checkpoint inhibitors
New clinical data from immunotherapy trials involving researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust were presented at the AACR conference in New Orleans this week. Dr Claire Hastings looks at where this exciting research is headed.