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.
"I'm just so grateful for research" – Shelley's story
Shelley Harding is a familiar face at the Terry Fox UK runs. A Canadian, who moved to London 23 years ago, she sells official event T-shirts to raise vital funds for The Institute of Cancer Research. This year she attended Terry Fox Runs in Battersea Park, Hampshire and will be at Wrexham this weekend. Last month she was invited to a special Terry Fox reception at Canada House in London, where Fred Fox spoke about his brother.
“Becoming a cancer patient has given me extra perspective” – Paul’s story
Professor Paul Workman is Harrap Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at The Institute of Cancer Research. He has worked in the field of cancer research for more than 50 years and was the ICR’s Chief Executive and President from 2014 to 2021. During his leadership, he oversaw many of our scientific successes – including the development of smarter and kinder forms of radiotherapy. Now, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer himself in 2022, he reflects on his experience as both a leading cancer scientist and now a cancer patient.
“Every child diagnosed with brain cancer should have a chance at life” – Alison’s story
Alison and Brian set up the Doing It For Daniel Foundation in memory of their son, Daniel, who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour at the age of 16 and passed away seven months later. Here, Alison shares their story and explains why the ICR’s research into a cure for Daniel’s cancer is so important.
“Running a marathon is daunting. But it's nothing compared to what children with cancer go through every day.”
Andrea Calderon, 28, is originally from Texas, USA, but she will be running the Berlin Marathon this Sunday 29th September in honour of her younger brother, Edu, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of five. Edu passed away in 2020 when he was 11 years old.
“It’s a different kind of relationship” – the benefits of working with our family-led charity partners
Collaboration is essential in science. By sharing knowledge, ideas and skills, we can turn a disease from one that is always fatal into one that is often treatable or even curable. This collaboration can take many forms and involve multiple groups of people. Here, Isy Godfrey meets two scientists who work closely not only with each other, their other team members and their peers abroad but also with two of our amazing family charity partners.
Why do a postdoc at The Institute of Cancer Research?
Postdoctoral researchers – also known as postdocs – are essential to scientific research. After completing their doctoral studies, a researcher might choose to continue their training and academic career progression through a fixed term postdoc position. Dr Elise Glen, our Head of Researcher Development, writes about why the ICR is such a great place to do a postdoc.
“I’m running for Terry Fox to improve the lives of people with cancer” – Brian’s story
Terry Fox is a Canadian hero. He lost his leg to osteogenic sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, but in 1980 began a ‘Marathon of Hope’ – running 3,339 miles over 143 days to raise awareness and money for cancer research. His dream to run across Canada was cut short after his cancer spread to his lungs and he died aged 22.
Terry continues to inspire people in Canada and beyond to raise money for cancer research, and in the UK the Terry Fox Association proudly supports The Institute of Cancer Research.
Brian Whitman is a Canadian currently serving with NATO at its Allied Maritime Command at the Northwood base in north-west London.
“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.