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.
Hacking students’ knowledge at the first ever Chemical Probes Portal Hackathon
The Chemical Probes Portal completed its first ever Probe Hackathon, bringing students and experts together to evaluate the quality of tools for biomedical research and drug discovery.
Running the Marathon in memory of Mum – Daniel’s story
Daniel Davidson’s mum, Amanda Hood, died of cancer during the pandemic, just months after her diagnosis. Now to celebrate her life, he is running the 2023 London Marathon as part of #teamICR. Here Daniel explains why, despite the challenges of working on an oil rig in the North Sea and not being a keen runner, he is determined to take on this gruelling race to raise vital funds for our research.
From cancer patient to marathon runner - Susanna’s story
Susanna Stephenson was diagnosed with breast cancer just three days before her 42nd
birthday in 2014. Following treatment, the mum of two has now recovered and is part of our amazing #teamICR runners taking on the 2023 London Marathon.
Olaparib – a story of hope for cancer patients
In 1995 researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, uncovered the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA2. This discovery helped families to assess their cancer risk through genetic testing, enabling them to be closely monitored or take preventative measures.
New 1 million pound project designed to unravel the mystery of chameleon-like childhood cancer cells
Our scientists have embarked on pioneering research to find new therapies that will prevent or treat relapse in rhabdomyosarcoma – thanks to a £1 million pound grant from our family charity partner Alice’s Arc.
Breaking down regulatory barriers could deliver step change improvements to prostate cancer outcomes
We have seen major advances in prostate cancer research, and people with the disease are living longer than ever. However, more needs to be done to harness scientific discoveries and bring innovative drugs to patients. Here we discuss the regulatory landscape and reforms needed to ensure patients can access the most innovative treatments as quickly as possible.
Cancer research careers: Scientists share who inspired them to become researchers
What did you want to be when you grew up – a singer, a lawyer, a designer? What about a cancer researcher? To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we asked some of our researchers who it was that first inspired them to pursue a career in science.
"No one should have to lose a loved-one due to lack of research"
How a family’s devastating loss spurred them to fund research into Gliomatosis Cerebri and other rare and inoperable brain cancers.
Why elephants rarely get cancer – how evolution is helping unlock nature’s potential to overcome cancer
Emma Ong spoke to Professor Joshua Schiffman when he visited the ICR to deliver the annual Darwin Lecture. He shared how his research both involves studying elephants and builds on the work of Charles Darwin.
How is genomics transforming cancer research and treatment? Seven lessons learned from the Festival of Genomics & Biodata 2023
Scientists from around the world, including many ICR researchers, gathered last month at the Festival of Genomics & Biodata in London. Julia Bakker and Diana Cano attended the conference and report back on some of the key take-home messages.
BBC Radio 5 Live Drive shares message of hope from ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery
The Institute of Cancer Research, London, hosted a special live broadcast of the BBC 5 Live Drive programme on Monday 30 January from the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery – dedicated to celebrating advances in cancer research and promoting the new live episode of the 'You, Me & the Big C' podcast. Diana Cano, Laura-Maria Horga and Ichha Khanal attended the broadcast and share some highlights.
“It’s not just about surviving, it’s about so much more” - Alfred’s story
When Alfred Samuels was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2012, it felt as if his world had fallen apart overnight. Doctors said surgery wasn’t an option for him because the cancer had spread beyond his prostate, and he started to lose hope. But then he joined a clinical trial and began treatment with abiraterone, a drug discovered and developed by our scientists, which is now extending the lives of thousands of men worldwide. Eleven years later, Alfred explains how he wouldn’t be here today without our research.
‘Probing’ the quality of compounds at the heart of biological research
Alisa Crisp and Professor Paul Workman explore a major online resource that provides biomedical researchers with expert advice on using the best reagents for their experiments.
“I still have a lot of living left to do” - Sue’s story
When Sue Vincent learned in 2010 that her ovarian cancer had spread to three different parts of her body and was inoperable, she resigned herself to having only months to live. But then she was offered a place on a clinical trial for a pioneering drug called olaparib, the discovery and development of which was underpinned by our research. 12 years on, Sue is still taking olaparib, and explains how the work of our scientists has given her a quality of life she could only have dreamed about.
Who is Terry Fox?
While Terry Fox is a household name in Canada, his story may be new to some people in the UK. In this blog, our Digital Communications Officer Laura-Maria Horga shares the story of the Canadian hero whose legacy continues more than 40 years after his death.
Proud moments for our postgraduate students as we celebrate graduation after three long years
Dr Barbara Pittam, Registrar and Director of Academic Services at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, celebrates the achievements of our students in the month they gathered to receive their degrees in person for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Cracking on for Tom” – honouring the legacy of an inspirational young man lost to sarcoma
Ten years ago, 18-year-old Tom Bowdidge was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT) – an aggressive type of sarcoma. DSRCT has a very poor prognosis and Tom died in 2013 after several months of “brutal” treatment. The ICR is working in partnership with the foundation set up in his name to find more effective and kinder treatments.
World Cancer Research Day: how international collaborations benefit the global cancer research community
The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research organisations – making discoveries that have benefited many people with cancer in the UK and around the world. Laura-Maria Horga explores how the ICR’s researchers are harnessing international collaborations to help even more people.
“Knowing we helped – that will be Ollie’s legacy” – Sarah’s story of childhood cancer
The Ollie Young Foundation, which supports our world-leading research into childhood brain tumours, was set up in memory of Ollie, who died one day before his sixth birthday. Ollie’s mum, Sarah, tells us their story.
“For Abbie, cancer was just her normal life” – Mike’s story of childhood cancer
Mike Shaw tells us about the charity Abbie’s Fund, which supports our research into childhood cancer, and about the girl who inspired it all: Abbie Shaw.