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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New genetic cause of a childhood kidney cancer discovered

09/11/15

Genetic mutations in a gene called REST have been shown to cause Wilms tumour, a rare kidney cancer that occurs in children.
Blood samples (Jan Chlebik for the ICR, 2011)
Blood test picks out prostate cancer drug resistance

04/11/15

Scientists have developed a blood test that can identify key mutations driving resistance to a widely used prostate cancer drug, and identify in advance patients who will not respond to treatment.
Radiotherapy machine at The Royal Marsden Hospital
Changes urged to radiotherapy practice that could save NHS tens of millions per year

04/11/15

Major clinical trial finds new regime for prostate cancer at least as good, cheaper and more convenient than current practice
Professor Mel Greaves discusses his findings that leukaemia can lie dormant for years
Professor Mel Greaves wins Cancer Research UK Lifetime Achievement Award

02/11/15

The ICR’s Professor Mel Greaves has been awarded the Cancer Research UK Lifetime Achievement Award for his work investigating the causes and clonal evolution of childhood leukaemia.
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Landmark clinical trial shows gene-targeted drug can treat prostate cancer

28/10/15

First trial to show benefit of ‘precision medicine’ in prostate cancer
Test Tubes
Genetic testing could identify men at a 10-fold increased risk of testicular cancer

27/10/15

A new study of more than 25,000 men has uncovered four new genetic variants associated with increased risk of testicular cancer.
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Chemical probe to dissect role of potential cancer-causing proteins

26/10/15

Scientists have created a highly specific chemical probe to shed new light on the role two important proteins play in driving cancer cell proliferation.
Melanoma cells, Dr ChrisBakal, ICR, 2015
T-VEC becomes first viral immunotherapy recommended for approval in Europe

23/10/15

A viral immunotherapy for cancer has become the first to be given the green light by European regulators.
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Study identifies new treatment target in BRCA2-mutant prostate cancer

22/10/15

Genetic abnormalities associated with poor prognosis in prostate cancer are particularly common in men with germline mutations in the BRCA2 gene.
Breast Cancer scan
Test could predict whether breast cancer will spread to the brain

21/10/15

Women with particularly aggressive forms of breast cancer could be identified by a test that predicts whether the disease is likely to spread to the brain.
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Another successful year for the ICR team at the Royal Parks Half Marathon

20/10/15

All 24 of our runners in the Royal Parks Half Marathon completed the 13.1 mile course and together are set to raise £25,000 for our research.
Professor Janet Shipley in the lab
ICR scientists set to conquer Mount Snowdon for research into rare teenage cancer

16/10/15

A team of scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, are embarking on a series of fundraising challenges in support of two parent-led charities committed to funding the ICR’s research into teenage cancer.