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.
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.
Using the principles of evolution to defeat cancer
This Evolution Day, we look at how scientists in the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, are applying the principles of evolution to their research.
“We need to stop other children from having to go through this” - Tommy’s story
Tommy Edwards was just four years old when his parents noticed symptoms suggesting something wasn’t right. Tests revealed he had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Following nearly three years of treatment, Tommy is now looking towards the future. His parents, Chris and Jo Edwards, have set up a charity to fund research into ALL. In this blog, Chris explains how groundbreaking work by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research is giving them hope for the future.
“My experience has highlighted to me just how vital cancer research is” - Erin’s story
Erin Kennedy MBE is a British Paralympic coxswain. In 2022, at the age of 29, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and was successfully treated. She later found she has a mutation in her BRCA1 gene which means she has a higher risk of her cancer returning. In the summer of 2023, she supported our Finish Cancer campaign. Here she tells her story.
Harnessing the power of AI to improve outcomes for people with breast cancer
Scientists at the ICR are investigating how AI can help us improve the lives of people with breast cancer. Here, we learn about the work of Dr Stephen-John Sammut and other researchers who are focusing on this technology.
We can’t defeat cancer without acknowledging the differences between men and women
Isy Godfrey looks at why sex disparities persist in cancer and speaks with Dr Anna Wilkins about her work highlighting the sex gap in bladder cancer survival.
ESMO 2023: Using blood tests to help treat breast cancer more precisely – Professor Nick Turner on his award-winning research
Professor Nicholas Turner, Professor of Molecular Oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, has received the Translational Research Award by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Laura-Maria Horga spoke with him about the remarkable impact he has had in cancer research throughout his career so far.
Our changing approach to rare cancers is driving progress, but we still have further to go
To mark Rare Cancer Day, Isy Godfrey looks at how we are making progress in this field and speaks with paediatric brain tumour expert Professor Chris Jones about his experiences.