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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Blood test to spot new breast cancer subtype delays progression for twice as long

01/09/16

A blood test that detects when the most common form of breast cancer has become resistant to treatment could double the average time it takes for the disease to progress, from around two-and-a-half to around six months, a new study shows.
Biopsy of lung adenocarcinoma tissue
Scientists discover drug combination slows lung cancer cell growth

25/08/16

Scientists have shown that a drug combination slows cancer cell growth in a type of non-small cell lung cancer when tested in the lab, offering potential for developing new treatments in the future.
Metastatic breast cancer cells in pleural fluid
Effect of combined HRT on breast cancer risk likely to have been underestimated, new study finds

22/08/16

The effect of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in increasing a woman’s risk of breast cancer is likely to have been underestimated by a number of previous studies, according to a new prospective study published in the British Journal of Cancer.
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Inspired by the Olympics?

22/08/16

If watching the stunning displays of athleticism in the Olympics inspired you to become more physically active, then why not consider becoming part of Team ICR? You could take part in one or more of our exciting sporting challenges — either here in the UK or around the world
A histological slide of cancerous breast tissue.
Study links two genes to breast cancer survival

17/08/16

Testing for the activity of two genes could pick out women who are at increased risk of dying from their breast cancers, suggests a new study of almost 2,000 patients.
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Research reveals insights into genetics behind common blood cancer

11/08/16

Scientists have identified how an inherited genetic variant, associated with an increased risk of developing the most common type of leukaemia, helps cancer cells survive.
T-vec infected melanoma cells - Kevin Harrington ICR
Radiotherapy supercharges cancer-targeting viruses to treat deadly skin cancer

09/08/16

Combining radiotherapy with a virus that targets cancer cells kicks both treatments into overdrive to treat the deadliest form of skin cancer, a new study shows.
Photo: Jan Chlebik/ICR 2011
Gene testing in rare tumour type could uncover ‘cancer families’

04/08/16

Genetic testing of patients with a rare form of cancer that can affect children and young adults can pick out genetic errors hidden in their family tree which increase the risk of a wide variety of cancer types.
Non-small cell lung cancer (photo Dr Ed Uthman-Yale Rosen-Flickr)
Finding new ways to fight cancer by targeting the stress response

04/08/16

Despite major breakthroughs in creating innovative cancer drugs, there is still an urgent need to explore more treatment options. Liz Burtally finds out how researchers are now looking outside the historical, well-trodden cancer pathways usually targeted by cancer therapeutics.
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Starting gun fired in race against cancer evolution

21/07/16

World-leading cancer researchers have revealed plans to create a new generation of ‘anti-evolution’ therapies, designed to combat cancer’s lethal ability to adapt and evade treatment.
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Professor Johann de Bono named Regius Professor of Cancer Research by Royal Decree

15/07/16

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has named Professor Johann de Bono as Regius Professor of Cancer Research.
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Ceremony welcomes Professors Paul Workman and Jon Pines as Royal Society Fellows

15/07/16

Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Professor Jon Pines, Head of Cancer Biology, will be admitted as Fellows to the Royal Society on Friday 15 July 2016 — the greatest honour in UK science.