Our research into sarcoma

Sarcomas are rare, aggressive cancers that start in the tissues, such as bone and muscle. We are investigating new and innovative approaches to treat and test for this group of diseases, including through our world-leading sarcoma centres and collaborations.

Our aim is for this research to be translated into the clinic with our partner The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Our researchers led the discovery that cediranib, a drug that blocks blood vessel growth, can be an effective treatment for alveolar soft part sarcoma, a particularly rare cancer with limited treatment options.

ICR scientists were also involved in a global study that shed light on the mutations that increase the chances of sarcoma and other cancers, such as breast cancer, across families, helping to establish genetic counselling and screening for those at risk.

Researchers at the ICR and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre found that synovial sarcoma – which develops around joints and tendons, and mostly affects young people – can be treated with drugs that stop DNA damage repair . Support the vital work of our researchers in discovering new, kinder treatments for sarcoma in children and young adults.

Our upcoming Sarcoma Accelerator Consortium , led by Professor Robin Jones, will be the world’s largest digital hub of clinical and research data on sarcomas, incorporating artificial intelligence to predict and test how sarcoma patients respond to drugs.

The consortium aims to improve outcomes for patients by identifying new drug targets, developing disease models and creating digital tools to help with prognosis.

Our Joint Sarcoma Research Centre – a virtual collaboration with The Royal Marsden – brings together sarcoma researchers and clinicians to develop new treatments and therapies, including those tailored to individual patients.

Sarcoma molecular pathology

Headed by Professor Janet Shipley, our Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team is investigating different research areas into paediatric sarcomas, with a focus on the rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma. Some of the team’s work includes: