Cancer discovery news
Our researchers are making the discoveries that defeat cancer. Read the latest findings from our world-leading research.
Visit our main news hub to read about news on new funding, our fundraising activities and much more. If you want to keep updated on our news, you can follow us on social media or sign up for our Search newsletter.
If you’re a journalist and want to find out more, you can contact our media relations team.
Immune system development linked to leukaemia
New study shows how a genetic mutation can turn one of our defences against infection into a driver of cancer.
Pinpointing the first founder mutations that lead to leukaemia
Professors Mel Greaves and Richard Houlston were able to identify the exact mutations that kick-start cancer, potentially enabling more effective targeted therapies.
ICR scientists find genes for common childhood leukaemia
The largest study of its kind has linked two inherited genetic variants with an increase in susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
ICR researchers in new international trial for neuroblastoma
New 'BEACON' trial led by ICR scientists aims to tackle treatment-resistant form of childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
Study shows benefit of thalidomide in treatment of myeloma
The controversial drug thalidomide could play an important role in treatment of myeloma by eradicating the final, residual traces of cancerous cells in patients.
Testing micro-RNAs could aid myeloma diagnosis
Tiny pieces of genetic material called micro-RNAs – miRNAs for short – could help improve diagnosis in people with myeloma, a study at The Institute of Cancer Research, London has shown.
Genes help shape-shifting skin cancer cells to spread
Scientists at the ICR have identified a set of genes that allow melanoma cells to change rapidly between two shapes in order to escape from the skin and spread around the body.
Flower shape and new treatments for myeloma
ICR scientists find a genetic process that determines a flower's shape could also underlie the development of blood cancer.
Timing of Hodgkin lymphoma radiotherapy to women’s first period critical for breast cancer risk
ICR scientists find radiotherapy near a woman's first period increases breast cancer risk, but pregnancy doesn't increase danger.
Longer Lives for Multiple Myeloma Patients
Multiple Myeloma affects around 4000 people each year. The average survival time after diagnosis is just three to five years, so new treatment options are urgently needed
Next-generation “epigenetic” cancer pill shown to be safe
Scientists have shown that a brand new type of cancer pill that exploits the emerging field of epigenetics is safe for human use, according to a Phase I trial reported today in Clinical Cancer Research.
Pill Brings Promise for Patients with Skin Cancer
Strength of early results means all 'placebo arm' trial patients will be offered treatment with RG7204.