Cancer discovery news

Our researchers are making the discoveries that defeat cancer. Read the latest findings from our world-leading research.

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a crystal structure of a protein used for drug design
New centre targets ‘undruggable’ cancers after major donation

03/04/22

The centre will focus on ‘targeted protein degradation’ – one of the hottest and most promising areas in drug discovery. Scientists aim to hijack normal process of protein destruction to wipe out cancer proteins that traditional targeted drugs cannot block.
3D reconstruction image showing details of the human breast
Study shows more women with invasive lobular breast cancer should qualify for tailored clinical trials

30/03/22

A new study led by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has changed our understanding of invasive lobular breast cancer – and could increase the number of patients who access new treatments via lobular breast cancer specific clinical trials.
Space-filling model of immunotherapy pembrolizumab
Test can personalise use of immunotherapy and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer

25/03/22

Matching cancer patients to treatment based on their levels of a key immune protein may allow doctors to select those who would benefit most from the combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, researchers report.
Prostate cancer cell 547x410
ICR welcomes FDA approval of ‘search and destroy’ treatment

25/03/22

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, strongly welcomes the news that 177Lu-PSMA-617, a potent radioactive medicine that searches for tumour cells to deliver a radioactive payload, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating some advanced prostate cancers.
Breast Cancer Cells Credit Min Yu 547x410
Longer course of hormonal therapy before surgery for breast cancer has greater impact on tumour growth

23/03/22

Treating some women with higher risk breast cancer with a longer course of hormonal therapy before surgery led to more changes in the genetic makeup of their tumours, some of which were associated with better survival outcomes.
Group of people listening to a talk
ICR Discovery Club showcases how we take new drugs to cancer patients

22/03/22

Members of the Discovery Club gathered at the Royal Society of Chemistry to hear how our scientists are moving new cancer drugs into the clinic.
Blue man van offering free health checks to men
'Man Van' launched to speed up early diagnosis of prostate cancer and improve healthcare access

21/03/22

​The 'Man Van', an innovative new outreach programme, has been launched today to provide free health checks for men and boost early diagnosis of prostate and other urological cancers.
Breast cancer cell
Spinal fluid analysis could speed up diagnosis of breast cancer spread

21/03/22

Analysing cancer DNA in spinal fluid could speed up and improve the diagnosis of breast cancer which has spread to the brain and spinal cord, according to a new pilot study.
Split image of Sir Richard Doll building in Sutton and Imperial College building in South Kensington 547x410
Cancer Research UK renew support for Convergence Science Centre

21/03/22

Renewed Cancer Research UK funding for Convergence Science Centre at the ICR and Imperial will build on existing partnership by uniting cancer researchers with engineers and physical scientists to tackle cancer’s toughest challenges.
Breast cancer cells on a black background
ESMO Virtual Plenary 2022: Major trial shows targeted drug improves survival in early-stage breast cancer with inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation

16/03/22

The ICR strongly welcomes new findings that the targeted drug olaparib improves survival in women with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer who have inherited faults in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
Collage of researchers Camilla Rega, Vivian Dimou, Dani Chattenton and Ana Padilha pursuing their passions
#BreakTheBias: Scientists showcase their lives outside the lab

08/03/22

What do scientists look like? This International Women’s Day, we are introducing some of our researchers to help #BreakTheBias, and showcasing the full lives and passions of our scientists outside the lab – from dancing and baking to running or playing an instrument.
Innovation Gateway at The London Cancer Hub
New home for innovative life-science companies opens at The London Cancer Hub

24/02/22

A new incubator and collaboration space for innovative life-science companies whose work is relevant to cancer is opening its doors at The London Cancer Hub in Sutton, south London.