Genomics
Advances in the technology to read people’s DNA have made it so much faster and cheaper that we can now read the genetic code of many different genes at once, increasingly by sequencing the entire genome of a patient or their cancer.
Comparing a genome sequence from a tumour cell with one from a healthy cell allows our researchers to pinpoint the genetic changes that are involved in causing cancer, helping us to create new and improved treatments. We can also learn about genetic changes people inherit which may increase their risk of cancer, and this can lead to new ways of preventing the disease.
This page highlights recent news stories, blog posts and videos that concern the use of genomics technologies in cancer research.
Related pages
Recent stories on genomics technologies in cancer research
Study shows more women with invasive lobular breast cancer should qualify for tailored clinical trials
A new study led by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has changed our understanding of invasive lobular breast cancer – and could increase the number of patients who access new treatments via lobular breast cancer specific clinical trials.
Researchers find immune system link with rare ovarian cancer that could guide future treatment
Immune-related genes are associated with the development of the rare cancer ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), new research has found.
ICR Discovery Club explores how exploiting cancer’s DNA weaknesses can unlock new treatment
For the second virtual event, Discovery Club members went on a trip back in time and deep inside the cell with Professor Jessica Downs and Dr Navita Somaiah to explore how targeting cancer’s DNA weaknesses can unlock new treatments.
How the Human Genome Project shook the world of cancer research
Twenty years ago, a detailed draft and analysis of the human genome was completed.
In this feature, Diana Cano Bordajandi looks at the lasting legacy of the Human Genome Project.
Scientific achievements of 2020
We've selected a range of discoveries from 2019/20 – chosen because they illustrate the quality and breadth of our basic, translational and clinical research and our ambitions under the ICR's research strategy.
Scientists identify potential drug target for BRCA-mutated tumours
A new study has uncovered a previously unknown role for the enzyme EXD2, identifying it as a potential drug target for cancer therapy.
Scientific achievements of 2019
We've selected a range of discoveries from 2018/19 – chosen because they illustrate the quality and breadth of our basic, translational and clinical research and our ambitions under the ICR's research strategy.
How ICR researchers are leading the way in breast cancer research
In Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Rose Wu looks at some of the recent research breakthroughs by breast cancer researchers at the ICR