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.
“Our underlying motivation has an emotional core” – enabling the drive to improve outcomes in childhood cancer
Childhood cancer treatment is challenging, with certain cancer types proving particularly difficult to treat. Although researchers have made significant progress, the outlook for children with some cancer types remains poor. Even when children are successfully treated, they often have to contend with the life-long effects of their treatment. Isy Godfrey spoke with Professor Sir Mel Greaves, a world leader in childhood leukaemia research, about recent progress in childhood cancer and what motivates him to keep going despite the challenges and setbacks he has encountered.
Let’s work together to end the stigma around lung cancer
This year, our Spring Appeal is focused on hard-to-treat cancers. These include lung cancer, for which there is still a lack of effective treatments. Although researchers are making progress against the disease, they are sometimes hampered by the stigma that surrounds it because of its well-known link with smoking. Here, we speak with one of the ICR’s lung cancer experts, Dr Astero Klampatsa, to find out more.
“Christopher would be so amazed by what we’ve achieved”
When Lynn Lucas’ son Chris died of a rare soft tissue cancer, her life was changed forever. But as a result of this devastating loss, she and her husband channelled their anger and grief into action – setting up a charitable trust that would go on to become one of our long-standing family charity partners, contributing to vital research progress that is bringing hope to others with the same diagnosis. Lynn explains why they’ve dedicated their lives to raising money for our scientists.
“We still want more time – that’s the role of research” - Yvonne's story
Yvonne Diaz, 55, was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer in August 2021. She works in Communications and lives in Holland Park, London with her husband and twin sons, aged 17.
“Being involved in a clinical trial saved my life” – Tony’s story
Tony McHale, a screenwriter, was invited to take part in the IMPACT study in 2012, an international clinical trial offering regular screening for men at increased risk of prostate cancer. Around 18 months later, he was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 61. After undergoing intense radiotherapy treatment, he has remained cancer-free ever since.
“I’m lucky to have been given a second chance” – Michael’s story
Michael Parry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 59. Fortunately, his disease was detected early – and after surgery and chemotherapy, he is now planning for the years ahead with his family. Here he tells his story and explains why more research into hard-to-treat cancers is so vital.
ASCO 2024: Cancer experts gather to showcase ground-breaking research
This June world-leading cancer researchers from around the globe are getting ready to present and discuss the latest advances in the oncology at the 2024 ASCO Annual meeting in Chicago. Ahead of the meeting, we look at some of the ICR’s research being presented this year.
Racing for research – Lucy and Suzie’s stories of running the London Marathon for the ICR
Completing a marathon is no easy feat – but this year two of our #TeamICR runners who took on the London Marathon had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in the past five years. They tell us what cancer research means to them.
A new era for treating high-risk neuroblastoma – research advances to look out for in 2024
It's an exciting time for research into high-risk neuroblastoma. Over the past year, multiple trials testing new treatments showed promising results, and in 2024, new trials are expected to open to further advance this research. We look at some of the latest advances and how they could change the outlook for children with neuroblastoma.
From cancer diagnosis to London Marathon mission – Harry’s story
As a fit and healthy former firefighter, Harry Hall didn’t think there was anything to worry about when he developed a lump in his neck. But after his wife persuaded him to go to the doctors, tests diagnosed Harry with tongue cancer. Here, Harry explains why he wants to raise funds to support our vital research by running the London Marathon.
Meet the London Marathon runners joining us in the race to defeat cancer
As runners from across the globe prepare to hit London’s streets for the capital’s annual flagship running event, we hear from some of those participating in the London Marathon to raise money for our vital research – and the powerful motivations that keep them focused on reaching the finish line.
Making a difference for people with myeloma
Our scientists are developing new ways of diagnosing and treating diverse types of blood cancers, including myeloma, which develops in the bone marrow and accounts for 15 per cent of blood cancers. This International Myeloma Action Day, we share the stories of three people who were diagnosed with the disease.
Switching lab coats for formal wear – ICR scientists have “an amazing day” at Buckingham Palace
The ICR was recently awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of its transformational work in breast cancer research. Isy Godfrey spoke with two scientists who had recently attended the prize-giving ceremony at the Palace to learn more about their experience of the day and their work at the ICR.
“I’ve been given a second chance” – Mark’s story
Mark was diagnosed with kidney cancer in April 2021. After surgery to remove the tumour and affected kidney, he was initially told there was no evidence that the disease had spread. However, a biopsy of the tumour showed it was an aggressive type of cancer, prone to returning.
“I had come to realise that my research could contribute meaningfully to improvements in patient outcomes” – developing tests that could change clinical practice to personalise breast cancer treatment
Personalised medicine is increasingly allowing us to provide individuals with the treatments most likely to be effective for them. In some cases, it might even spare people from unnecessary treatment. Isy Godfrey spoke with Dr Maggie Cheang, co-inventor of the Prosigna® Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay, to find out more.
To really save the lives of children with brain cancer, we need to minimise morbidity
A recent review paper led by scientists at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research looks at how the treatment of paediatric brain tumours is evolving to prioritise children’s quality of life. Isy Godfrey spoke with corresponding author Dr Lynley Marshall to find out more.
Making a better home for our microbes – the relationship between the microbiome and disease, including cancer
To celebrate Darwin Day, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, invited Professor Martin Blaser to deliver its annual Darwin Lecture on the importance of microbes in a healthy life for humans. Professor Blaser took time to chat with the ICR’s Mark Jones ahead of the lecture.
From end of life to full of life – how research is helping people live with cancer and hope
Cancer research is driving progress in treatment that means more and more people are living well for longer after a diagnosis of advanced cancer. Sarah Lothian spoke to five people who are each responding well to treatment and are now looking to the future, after receiving a devastating diagnosis.
Can exercise reduce cancer risk and support treatment?
There are many benefits to exercise, including reducing a person’s risk of cancer. Being physically active can also be helpful for many people during and after cancer treatment. Laura-Maria Horga explores some of the links between exercise and cancer by talking to patients, oncologists and researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London.
“I survived cancer as a child and now I’m working to defeat it” – Andrew’s story
Andrew Wicks, a PhD student at The Institute of Cancer Research, knows firsthand what it’s like to face cancer. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at the age of 12, he went through years of treatment before getting the all-clear. Now, wanting to help others with cancer, he is carrying out research in our Breast Cancer Research Division. Here, he shares his story.