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.
An update on Movember’s London Centre of Excellence for Prostate Cancer
Our researchers spoke at the launch of Movember's London Centre of Excellence for Prostate Cancer. We talk about how the new centre is helping to drive new treatments for prostate cancer.
Tracing a new treatment for skin cancer to its roots in ICR science
NICE has approved the skin cancer drug dabrafenib for use on the NHS. Much of the work characterising the function of the mutant protein it targets was carried out at the ICR and here we talk about the story of the research behind BRAF inhibitors.
Celebrating the ICR’s discoveries… from the thymus gland to molecular medicine
We've launched a new project looking at the ICR’s greatest ever discoveries. Here we give more detail about some of our biggest achievements, how the discoveries were made, and why they have made such an impact on cancer research.
Doing cancer research – In pictures
Dr Chris Bakal, head of the Dynamical Cell Systems Team at the ICR, has taken these stunning cells images to investigate the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), the factory in cells that makes the building blocks they need to grow.
The babies who cure themselves of cancer
Neuroblastoma can be a devastating childhood cancer, usually treated with chemotherapy but in many cases unresponsive to current treatments. Yet some babies are able to fight off the disease without medical help, even after it has spread. This incredible phenomenon sheds light on how our own immune systems protect us from cancer and might be supported by new therapies.
How our new website will open a window to the ICR's science
If you're a regular visitor to our website, you may have noticed that it looks a little different this week. I certainly hope you have.
How ‘big’ genetic screens are finding the answers to resistance to cancer treatments
Targeted cancer treatments are starting to make a big difference to the lives of cancer patients, but their effectiveness diminishes over time and for some patients, these treatments may not work at all. Now large-scale screening techniques are helping scientists to uncover the mechanisms that help cancer resist treatment.
Patenting – not always black and white
How big a role does business play in getting new diagnostics and treatments to patients?
Could circulating tumour cells be the swiss army knife of cancer markers?
Circulating tumour cells exist in tiny numbers in the blood of cancer patients, but they could be one of the best ways to track a patient’s disease, and they could also help researchers to develop new treatments.
Mapping the biodiversity of tumours
Just as studying a single organism can’t tell you everything about the ecosystem it lives in, a single biopsy might not describe the diversity of cancer cells found within an individual tumour.
Researchers gather to discuss hottest topics in cancer research
Today’s date has been ringed on our calendar for many months now as our researchers gather for the start of our annual conference.
The ICR is part of a healthy future for medical research
Prostate cancer survival: the legacy of Charles Huggins
Until the middle of the 20th century, prostate cancer was perceived as a death sentence, and there was little understanding of the disease or its reliance on hormones.
Cancer cell, kill thyself
The future of cancer treatment
Using viruses to treat cancer
Have a Pint of Science!
NICE blocks earlier use of abiraterone
Shoot the messenger: microRNAs as a new cancer drug target