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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Yellow pills in dispensing tray
Scientists uncover a deadly ‘addiction’ in oesophageal cancer

22/08/17

Scientists have discovered a new way of attacking oesophageal cancer cells that could make use of an existing drug in a new approach to treatment.
Silver drug packets
Patients with advanced cancer survive 10 years on first targeted cancer wonder drug

19/08/17

A significant minority of patients with advanced and aggressive cancer have survived more than 10 years after treatment with one of the first successful targeted cancer drugs.
An MRI scanner
Non-invasive imaging test could predict which kidney cancer patients will benefit from anti-vascular therapy

18/08/17

A magnetic resonance imaging test that measures the volume of blood in tumours could help select which patients will benefit from drugs that block blood vessel growth, a new study shows.
An MRI scanner
New tests select patients who could live for nearly a year longer on targeted bowel cancer drug

08/08/17

Giving patients with bowel cancer an MRI scan and a blood test could pick out those who would benefit from a targeted cancer treatment, a new study reports.
MRI brain scan
Scientists find new method to target hard-to-treat head and neck cancers

08/08/17

An MRI technique could help doctors predict survival and develop improved treatments by identifying areas of fluctuating oxygen levels in head and neck tumours.
ICR Logo
Testing for immune ‘hotspots’ can predict risk that breast cancer will return

04/08/17

Scientists have developed a new test that can pick out women at high risk of relapsing from breast cancer within 10 years of diagnosis.
Breast cancer cell
Targeted radiotherapy limits side effects of breast cancer treatment

02/08/17

Breast cancer patients who have radiotherapy targeted at the original tumour site experience fewer side effects five years after treatment than those who have whole breast radiotherapy, according to trial results published in The Lancet.
Image showing double-stranded DNA repair following radiation in breast tumours (photo: Frances Daley/Dave Robertson)
Structure of key complex behind DNA transcription uncovered

01/08/17

Researchers have determined the structure of a molecular protein complex that helps DNA to be read and its instructions carried out.
Professor Winette van der Graaf 4.3
Discovery Club learns of “lost tribe” of young adult cancer patients

27/07/17

Members of our Discovery Club gathered at Chelsea Physic Garden in London earlier this month to learn about the unique challenges posed in treating cancer in teens and young adults.
New computer program makes it easier to track living cells

21/07/17

Researchers have developed a computer program - NucliTrack - to more efficiently track the trajectory of moving cells.
Proteins in Cellular Networks - Bissan Al-Lazikani
Scientists discover new line of attack against cancer

20/07/17

Scientists have made the surprise discovery of an exciting new way of blocking a crucial cancer protein that has proved extremely difficult to target.
Professor Mel Greaves
Pioneering leukaemia and evolution researcher – Professor Mel Greaves – wins prestigious Royal Society award

18/07/17

Professor Mel Greaves has been awarded The Royal Society’s prestigious Royal Medal in recognition of his research, which has dramatically improved our understanding of childhood leukaemia.