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Our research into sarcoma

Sarcomas are rare, aggressive cancers that start in the tissues, such as bone and muscle. We are investigating new and innovative approaches to treat and test for this group of diseases, including through our world-leading sarcoma centres and collaborations.

Our aim is for this research to be translated into the clinic with our partner The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Our latest sarcoma news

Meet our researchers

Our progress against sarcoma

Paediatric and young adult sarcomas

Our researchers led the discovery that cediranib, a drug that blocks blood vessel growth, can be an effective treatment for alveolar soft part sarcoma, a particularly rare cancer with limited treatment options.  

ICR scientists were also involved in a global study that shed light on the mutations that increase the chances of sarcoma and other cancers, such as breast cancer, across families, helping to establish genetic counselling and screening for those at risk.  

Researchers at the ICR and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre found that synovial sarcoma – which develops around joints and tendons, and mostly affects young people – can be treated with drugs that stop DNA damage repair.  

Support the vital work of our researchers in discovering new, kinder treatments for sarcoma in children and young adults.  

Centres and collaborations

Our upcoming Sarcoma Accelerator Consortium, led by Professor Robin Jones, will be the world’s largest digital hub of clinical and research data on sarcomas, incorporating artificial intelligence to predict and test how sarcoma patients respond to drugs.

The consortium aims to improve outcomes for patients by identifying new drug targets, developing disease models and creating digital tools to help with prognosis.  

Our Joint Sarcoma Research Centre – a virtual collaboration with The Royal Marsden – brings together sarcoma researchers and clinicians to develop new treatments and therapies, including those tailored to individual patients.  

Sarcoma clinical trials

We conduct clinical trials and translational studies into numerous types of sarcoma, such as soft tissue sarcomas. The Sarcoma Clinical Trials Team collaborates with international research groups to explore new agents for immunotherapy, and have evaluated a number of promising candidates that improve sarcoma patient outcomes.

Sarcoma molecular pathology

Headed by Professor Janet Shipley, our Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team is investigating different research areas into paediatric sarcomas, with a focus on the rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma. Some of the team’s work includes:

  • Uncovering mechanisms of sarcoma genesis and progression
  • Developing 3D cancer models to study the effects of new therapies
  • Detecting sarcoma early using blood tests
  • Identifying new drug targets and kinder approaches for patients

Support our research

As a UK charity, our life-saving research relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations. Our supporters help us make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families everywhere.

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Latest news on sarcoma

Meet our researchers

Dr Paul Huang

dr paul huang

Paul Huang uses systems biology and molecular pathology to study drug resistance in sarcomas and lung cancer.

Dr Paul Huang

Professor Janet Shipley

Professor Janet Shipley

Janet Shipley is investigating ways to improve treatment for sarcomas. Her research focuses on high-risk sarcomas in teenagers and young adults.

Professor Janet Shipley

Professor Robin Jones

Dr Robin Jones

Robin Jones leads our Sarcoma Clinical Trials Unit. He is a specialist in treating bone and soft tissue sarcomas, and focuses on developing novel therapies for these diseases.

Professor Robin Jones

Dr Julia Chisholm

Dr Julia Chisholm

Julia Chisholm leads our Sarcoma Clinical Trials in Children and Young People. She specialises in treating soft tissue sarcomas in children and young people.

Dr Julia Chisholm

Dr Christina Messiou

Professional headshot of Christina Messiou, white female

Christina Messiou is a radiologist who specialises in imaging of myeloma, melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. She is driving forward innovative imaging tests to benefit patients.

Dr Christina Messiou