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.
“My mum’s passing has given me extra motivation to run the London Marathon” – Oliver’s story
Oliver, 34, lost his mum in December 2024, just a few months after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bile duct cancer. On 26 April, Oliver will be running the London Marathon in her memory, raising funds for our vital research.
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"I want to do Dad proud" - The London Marathon runners motivated by love and loss
As they take on the London Marathon this Sunday, many of our runners are driven by powerful personal stories and a shared sense of hope. Among them are Joe Dale and Jo Barratt, both running in memory of their dads, and raising funds for our vital research.
“No family should have to go through this” – Charlie’s London Marathon story
Charlie Nodwell’s wife, Courtney, was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in September 2024 at the age of 40. She has recently completed her final round of chemotherapy. Here, Charlie explains why, having never previously been a runner, he will be taking on the London Marathon on 26 April, to raise vital funds for our groundbreaking research.
Can we make radiotherapy faster and more accurate to keep ahead of the predicted rise in cancer cases?
Since the discovery of X-rays in 1895, radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, has made substantial advancements as a cancer treatment. It’s now responsible for approximately 40 per cent of cancer cures. Yet access to radiotherapy could be threatened by the predicted increase of cancer incidence and the growing pressure healthcare systems already face.
Delivering the National Cancer Plan will depend on research – and research depends on universities
The UK Government launched their National Cancer Plan in February 2026. Our Advocacy Manager, Ollie Richards, takes a closer look at the factors that will shape its implementation – and why research will determine whether its ambitions are realised.
“Research won’t bring Bradley back, but it might help others”
Caroline’s son, Bradley, was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer at the age of 22. Despite treatment, he died 14 months later. This year, the fifth anniversary of Bradley’s death, Caroline explains why research into early-onset bowel cancer is so important.
“We have to push forward to find better cancer treatments and ultimately, a cure” – Dylan’s London Landmarks story
Dylan Peakall, 26, completed the London Marathon in 2025, raising over £6,400 to support our vital research. This April, he will be fundraising for the ICR again, running the London Landmarks Half Marathon alongside his friend, Anton, in memory of their close friend Danny. Danny was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer at the age of 29 and died 15 months later in November 2024.
“My mum’s strength, resilience and determination inspire me every day” – Steve’s London Marathon story
Steve Phillips will be celebrating his 50th birthday by running the 2026 London Marathon to raise funds for our groundbreaking research. Motivated by the resilience of his mum, who has been diagnosed with four separate cancers over the last four years, he hopes to cross the finish line alongside his 18-year-old son, Ethan.
“Running the Marathon is my thank you to those who researched my type of cancer” - Abi’s London Marathon story
Abi Sherratt, 27, was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in February 2025. With her treatment now behind her, she is preparing to run the London Marathon on 26 April. In doing so, she wants to prove to herself that she is still capable of taking on tough challenges following her diagnosis, while raising funds for our vital research.
“Cancer research is one of the most important fundraising causes out there” – Emily’s London Marathon story
Emily Webster, 32, was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the appendix in 2021. Fortunately, it was caught early and following successful surgery, she now has no evidence of disease. In April, she will be running the London Marathon in memory of her father-in-law, Bryan, a keen runner who died of cancer in 2023.
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Cancer drug discovery scientists become first in the UK to use new protein measuring and detection technology
In this blog post, Mark Jones speaks with Romina Tocci, Senior Laboratory Manager in the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, about what this technology means for our ability to discover new cancer treatments.
“Cancer is a word no one wants to hear. I wanted to leave a gift in my Will to help the fight against it” – Verity’s story
After both her parents died of cancer, Verity Mutch, 69, says we need to find kinder ways to treat the disease. That is why she has pledged to leave a gift in her Will to fund our groundbreaking research.
“Research is a chance to prevent heartbreak before it begins” – Kaiya’s story
Kaiya Patel was five years old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in March 2018. She passed away ten months later at the age of six. Since then, Kaiya’s mum Annu and her dad Ruchit, have set up The Kaiya Foundation in their daughter’s memory and are supporting our vital research into high-risk leukaemia. Here, Annu shares their story.
Bob Champion: From racing legend to champion of cancer research
Here, we look at two exciting projects at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) that are currently translating Bob Champion Cancer Trust funding into innovative tools that have potential to change the lives of men with prostate cancer.
“Providing hope is everything to a cancer patient” – Rhonda’s story
Rhonda Ryan, 57, was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2019. Two years later, she was told her cancer had spread to her liver and was incurable. An experienced investment professional, Rhonda is now calling on her industry contacts to support our vital research, hoping to raise £1.8m over six years and make a real difference for the next generation of cancer patients.
The future of cancer research: ICR scientists on the breakthroughs to look out for in 2026
As we enter 2026, scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, share the developments expected this year that could soon change how cancer is treated – from technologies designed to deliver drugs directly into tumours, to new ways to harness the immune system. Some are approaching regulatory approval, others are entering clinical trials, but all point to a future of smarter, kinder, cancer treatment.
“There has never been a more exciting time for cancer research than today” – Peter’s prostate cancer story
Peter Laing was diagnosed in November 2024, with stage 2/3b high-risk prostate cancer. Now retired, his former career in the biotech industry has helped to inform decisions about his treatment, which has included abiraterone, a drug that was discovered and developed by our scientists. Over a year on from his diagnosis, he reflects on what he describes as a ‘rollercoaster journey’.
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“Without the drug discoveries made by researchers, I would not be here” – Giles’ story
Giles Turner, 65, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in March 2023. Following treatment – including private treatment with the drug abiraterone – he is now in remission. He has since been campaigning to have abiraterone, which was discovered and developed by the ICR, made available on the NHS in England and Northern Ireland, in line with existing policy in Scotland and Wales.
“Going for that test saved my life” – Dave’s prostate cancer story
In April 2019, I went on a journey - not one I expected to go on or even particularly wanted to go on, despite being an enthusiastic traveller. But in life we are often taken down unexpected paths.
“I’m living my life despite my prostate cancer diagnosis” – Chris' prostate cancer story
Chris Talabi, 70, of Bray, Berkshire was diagnosed in 2014 with advanced prostate cancer.