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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An MRI scanner
New way to view prostate cancer that has spread to the bones

26/02/16

A new imaging technique could allow doctors to assess accurately if cancer has spread into the bones of prostate cancer patients, and how severe it is.
Image showing double-stranded DNA repair following radiation in breast tumours (photo: Frances Daley/Dave Robertson)
Moving away from the ‘one fraction size fits all' approach to radiotherapy

25/02/16

Researchers are discovering biological markers that can predict the sensitivity of tumours to radiotherapy, with the potential to tailor dosing to individual patients, finds Liz Burtally.
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Protein key to cancer spread also controls tumour growth

25/02/16

A family of proteins known as 'ROCK' regulate the shape and movement of cells, and in doing so help to control tumour growth, a new study reveals.
A scientist at work
The death of cancer? Part 3: Searching for cure or long-term control

18/02/16

In the last instalment of a three-part essay reflecting on five decades of cancer treatment advances, ICR CEO Professor Paul Workman explores the transition from classical chemotherapy drugs to new molecularly targeted treatments and immunotherapy, and discusses the attitudes and language used in the drive to defeat cancer.
School student using microscope
London students gain experience of life in a breast cancer research lab

17/02/16

Students from Wembley High Technology College visited The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, to learn how they could become the cancer researchers of the future.
Breast epithelial cells stained for DNA (magenta) and actin (green). Julia Sero / the ICR, 2011
‘Ecologically diverse’ breast cancers more likely to be deadly

16/02/16

Breast cancers which are particularly complex and diverse, as judged by a test used in ecology to analyse species of animals and plants, are particularly likely to progress and lead to death, a new study shows.
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New viral-radiotherapy combination could treat prostate cancers

16/02/16

Scientists have developed a new viral therapy that is capable of killing prostate cancer cells, and found it is even more effective when combined with a type of radiotherapy.
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Researchers map key stage in cell division

12/02/16

Scientists have developed a mathematical model that describes a key step in human cell division – and an important target for cancer treatment – in unprecedented detail.
President Nixon signs the 1971 National Cancer Act - Linda Bartlett/National Cancer Institute
The death of cancer? Part 2: the War on Cancer and the politics of drug access

11/02/16

In a special, three-part essay, ICR Chief Executive Professor Paul Workman reflects on five decades of advances in cancer treatment – inspired by The Death of Cancer, an account by the clinical research pioneer Vincent DeVita. In part two, he explores the huge political repercussions of those early breakthroughs in treatment.
Wilms_tumour
Using the laws of nature to predict tumour growth

11/02/16

Research is enabling scientists to anticipate how different cancers evolve in the body, opening up the possibility of being able to predict how cancers change with time.
Breast cancer cells stained for DNA (red), NFkB (green), and a reactive oxygen species probe (blue)
Scientists discover how breast cancer cells spread from blood vessels

09/02/16

Researchers have identified a protein that controls how breast cancer cells spread around the body, according to a new study.
Professor Paul Workman
The death of cancer? Part 1: the birth of effective drug therapy

04/02/16

In a special, three-part essay to mark World Cancer Day, ICR Chief Executive Professor Paul Workman reflects on five decades of advances in cancer treatment – inspired by The Death of Cancer, an account by early pioneer Vincent DeVita. In part one, Professor Workman discusses the early days of chemotherapy.