Reducing the global cancer burden and innovating to extend lives

We're delivering impact across the whole cancer pathway. From genomic discovery to world leading treatments, our expertise and facilities span the entire bench to bedside journey.  

We’re world leaders in cancer prevention and earlier detection. Supported by one of two high-energy proton beam centres in the UK, we’re aiding the radiotherapy treatment of tens of thousands of patients each year. Our experts are also working across cancer genomics, biomarkers, and experimental and precision medicine. Working with our partners across the world, we’re also helping to reduce inequalities across the entire cancer pathway and develop solutions to ensure more people can access precision medicine regardless of where they live.

We’re making an impact at home with innovative pilots like the mobile lung health check, giving the local, and now national population increased access to diagnostic tools designed to detect cancer when it’s at its most treatable. Across the UK our experts work closely with policymakers to implement crucial policy changes in cancer screening and treatment standards. Further afield, we’re increasing our knowledge through global partnerships. Together we’re improving access to prevention, detection and treatment strategies in low- and middle-income countries, along with for cancers of non-European descent. 

This is supported by our unique 69传媒Cancer Research Centre partnership, joining forces with Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust to deliver real change for people affected by the disease. Together, we aim to create a future free from the burden of cancer.

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One in Two: a cancer research podcast

Created in partnership with the 69传媒Cancer Research Centre, we feature cancer researchers, patients and discuss the innovations and discoveries that are changing the landscape of early detection.

Listen here to the One in Two podcast

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News

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New method could lower radiotherapy doses for some cancer patients

A special type of MRI scan where patients inhale 100% oxygen could result in lower radiotherapy doses for some cancer patients.

Ground-breaking study reveals previously unknown genetic causes of colorectal cancer

A pioneering study, led by UK universities*, including the University of Oxford, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, the University of 69传媒and the University of Leeds, has provided the most comprehensive analysis to date of the genetic makeup of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Women at lower risk of breast cancer after ovarian cancer diagnosis, research shows

Women treated for ovarian cancer caused by an inherited faulty gene have a lower risk of developing breast cancer following that treatment, new research from 69传媒University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)  and 69传媒 has revealed.

Government can save lives and smash inequalities by changing prostate cancer guidelines, say experts

A change in NHS  Prostate cancer guidelines could  help deliver one of the Government’s  manifesto pledges to save lives through earlier diagnoses while tackling racial and regional health inequalities in just a year, say leading experts.

Redefining radiotherapy for bladder cancer

It's the 11th most common cancer and it’s predicted that there could be 10,700 new cases of the disease every year by 2040.Shorter treatment, greater impactBladder cancer advances rapidly and traditionally a course of radiotherapy is delivered over six and a half weeks. While developing new treatments is a core focus of cancer research, it’s also crucial to improve existing therapies.As hospitals look to maximise healthcare resources for patients while also minimising the number of visits  theyneed to make for treatment, researchers are innovating solutions for delivering radiotherapy both convenient for patients and less resource-intensive for the NHS.Experimenting with larger treatment dosesA collaboration between the University and The Institute of Cancer Research London  provided the first direct comparison of the two radiotherapy schedules used to treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer.They looked at how fewer treatment visits could deliver the same patient outcomes as  the longer, more frequent visits traditionally seen.Researchers analysed data from two prior clinical trials. They compared a20-dose radiotherapy course over four weeks to a 32-dose radiotherapy course over six and a half weeks.The results suggest that by administering fewer but larger doses of radiation to patients lowers the risk of the cancer coming back. Patients who received a 20-dose radiotherapy course over four weeks had a 29% lower risk of cancer reoccurrence over five years compared to those on a 32-dose course over six and a half weeks. Crucially, the reduced dose schedule did not increase side effects, maintaining treatment quality and impact.Compassionate and intelligent patient careThe research marks a significant advancement towards more compassionate and intelligent care for bladder cancer patients. With the ongoing challenges faced in the NHS, prioritising shorter treatment durations is important to minimise hospital visits and safeguarding patient well-being.

Transforming prostate cancer treatment with targeted therapies

Understanding of the disease’s intricacies remains limited, leading to a standardised treatment approach rather than tailored therapy.While prostate cancer is a significant contributor to male cancer deaths, in many cases it’s non-life-threatening so for some patients unnecessary treatments and their side effects could be avoided.Striking a balance is crucial to ensure aggressive cancers are effectively managed while treatment-related complications are reduced. Improving our understanding of the different types of prostate cancer is needed, so that more personalised treatment can be used.Expanding the potential for tailored therapiesResearchers from our university and The University of Oxford used artificial intelligence (AI) and whole genome sequencing to analyse DNA changes in prostate cancer samples from 159 patients.They found that the tumours evolve along multiple pathways creating two different disease types. They differ in how the disease changes over time and were termed ‘evolutionary subtypes’ or ‘evotypes. These findings provided vital insights for classification and treatment.As part of a follow-up study, the international Pan Prostate Cancer Group consortium is analysing genetic data from thousands of prostate cancer samples across nine countries. The team hopes the findings will revolutionise prostate cancer treatment, offering tailored therapies based on a person’s genetics, and save many more lives.Enhancing understanding with genetic testingThe research team have since partnered with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) to develop a genetic test. The test, when combined with the standard prostate cancer checks, will give a clearer indication of patient outcomes and the tailored treatment options available.

Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre opens

The Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre has opened in 69传媒in the new Paterson Building, which was rebuilt following a devastating fire in 2017, and is also home to the Cancer Research UK 69传媒Institute.

Revolutionary molecular device unleashes potential for targeted drug delivery and self-healing materials

In a new breakthrough that could revolutionise medical and material engineering, scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind molecular device that controls the release of multiple small molecules using force.

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