Cancer discovery news

Scientists at the ICR have discovered a potential new way to overcome the resistance many women develop towards a treatment for breast cancer.

A molecule's key role in the development of a childhood cancer has been discovered by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London.

Professor Kevin Harrington has just been appointed joint head of the division of radiotherapy and imaging at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London. Here, he talks about the novel approach his department will be taking to traditional radiotherapy treatment.

Researchers have identified a gene which some aggressive breast cancers rely on to survive, helping to explain why certain patients fail to benefit from targeted treatment.

A 10-point plan to turn back the tide on cancer has been published to mark World Cancer Day. Developed by the World Oncology Forum, including the ICR's Professor Stan Kaye, the plan calls for more focus on research, and for governments around the world to invest in better healthcare systems to help reduce the number of people dying from the disease.

A new Tumour Profiling Unit at the ICR will accelerate the development of personalised cancer treatments and their delivery to patients.

Cancer Research UK and its commercial arm Cancer Research Technology (CRT) are launching a trial of an experimental drug shown to simultaneously block many enzymes that control cancer cell growth and death. The early-stage Phase I clinical trial of up to 40 patients will be carried out by the ICR, and The Royal Marsden Hospital.

A key driver for aggressive forms of prostate cancer has been uncovered by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London.

Scientists have identified 46 previously overlooked but potentially ‘druggable’ cancer targets, using a powerful new online approach that allows researchers to carry out ‘virtual experiments’ to quickly prioritise which are the best targets for drug discovery.

International leaders in drug discovery have warned that a huge reservoir of potential targets for cancer treatment will remain unexplored unless public funders, charities and pharmaceutical companies come together in a new model of large-scale partnership.

Scientists have discovered that two gene faults increase the risk of bowel cancer in families with a strong history of developing the disease, who, until now, had no explanation as to why their risk was greater.

A team of researchers led from the ICR, have found that mutations in a gene called PPM1D are linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer – through what may be a new mechanism of cancer development.