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.
Collaborating for cancer – finding common ground to cure childhood cancers
Germ cell tumours are rare in children, but differing criteria to treat the disease around the world makes developing new therapies challenging. Now researchers are working together to ensure a common approach to test new treatments for children with germ cell tumours.
How a simple change in dosing has made radiotherapy for breast cancer better and cheaper
A new type of radiotherapy could help breast cancer patients by delivering more radiation in fewer sessions.
Five key points on cancer drug pricing
The Cancer Drugs Fund in England will no longer pay for 16 medicines, used in 23 separate cancer treatments. Henry French provides some views on cancer drug pricing, and how to improve access to cancer drugs.
Summer students, and the surprising role they play in cancer research
Every year, a few undergraduate students gain a very special experience over their summer months – becoming a cancer researcher.
Why I value being a patient advocate – and how it can shape clinical trial design
Involving patients and the public is an important and valuable aspect of clinical trial design argues the patient advocates group, the Independent Cancer Patients' Voice.
The displays bringing the ICR’s history – and the role played in it by women – back to life
The ICR is celebrating its history with a series of historical photo displays – the latest is devoted to some of the women who have made vital contributions to our research
Treating testicular cancer in men with Down syndrome
Dr Shaista Hafeez argues in a new opinion piece that there is a need for a more holistic and personalised approach to make sure that patients with Down syndrome get the care they deserve
MR Linac promises to revolutionise radiotherapy
A new radiotherapy machine, known as MR Linac, promises to more accurately track and target tumours – how else is radiotherapy improving patients' lives?
The rocky road to developing new children’s cancer treatments
It takes years to develop drugs that target a specific cancer-causing mutation. Dr Claire Bithell reflects on the promises of targeting ALK mutations in neuroblastoma – a common type of childhood cancer.
Computational chemistry – designing drugs by evolution
It’s a huge challenge for researchers to find effective drug molecules from the millions of potentials – but sophisticated software that mimics evolution can help them do so.
Structural biology – mapping the intricate configuration of proteins – provides a classic example of the benefits of basic research
Our Chief Executive, Professor Paul Workman, has written on his own blog about the critical importance of ‘basic research’ for understanding and treating cancer – and we’ve just seen a great example from the world of structural biology.
How we're fighting neuroblastoma
A new storyline in Coronation Street will help to raise awareness about neuroblastoma – a devastating cancer which often affects very young children. Henry French writes on how this awareness could improve treatment for this disease and other childhood cancers.
The NHS ‘bottleneck’ for new cancer drugs
Two new cancer drugs have recently been 'turned down' by NICE. Henry French provides a summary of what we've said about this and how the system could be changed for the better.
First comprehensive map of breast cancer spread may help find new treatments
A new study has been launched today which will help us understand why breast cancer that has spread around the body – also known as secondary or metastatic breast cancer – is so difficult to treat.
Five ways we’ve been talking about animal research
Our Science Information and Policy Manager, Dr Eva Sharpe, looks at how we are communicating about our research using animals.
A glassful of science
After a long Wednesday, many scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research might be longing for some well-deserved rest. But for three of our researchers, their work was just getting started as they prepared for Pint of Science.
Illuminating insights and innovative ideas at the world’s largest cancer conference
After an exhilarating five days sharing new research and ideas, researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, are returning from the world’s largest cancer conference – the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Top cancer conference gives ICR researchers chance to share and learn
The eyes of the cancer world turn to Chicago as the world’s largest cancer conference begins today in the windy city.
Why infection may cause childhood leukaemia – and prevent it
A new study helps explain why early infection and vaccination could protect children against leukaemia – while later infection could raise the risk.
Delivering a step change in children’s cancer trials
Good research with children and young people is essential and must happen. That’s one of the two main messages from a report launch Dr Eva Sharpe, our Science Information and Policy Manager, went to last week, from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.