ICR 2025 highlights

Dear Penguins Against Cancer,

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support of the Institute of Cancer Research. Your generosity has played a vital role in everything our researchers and clinicians have achieved this year, and we are incredibly grateful.

I’d like to share some highlights from 2025, giving a snapshot of the progress your support helps make possible:

New hope for a rare childhood brain tumour

Our researchers have been exploring a potential new treatment for diffuse hemispheric glioma, a rare and aggressive childhood brain tumour. By studying how these tumours develop, they identified a way to repurpose the breast cancer drug ribociclib. In one compassionate-use case, a child who had no other options experienced stable disease for 17 months, supporting future clinical trials.

A simple saliva test for prostate cancer

We’ve developed a saliva-based genetic test that could improve how prostate cancer is detected. This test identifies men at highest genetic risk and was better at spotting aggressive cancers than PSA tests alone, even catching some cases that MRIs missed. An enhanced version is now being evaluated in a large clinical study.

Using genetics to guide prostate cancer treatment

Our researchers also found that specific genetic changes in prostate tumours can help predict how long men with advanced prostate cancer will benefit from the drug olaparib. This knowledge allows clinicians to tailor treatment decisions more precisely.

Shorter radiotherapy for prostate cancer

A major clinical trial showed that men with intermediate-risk, localised prostate cancer can be treated effectively in just five sessions of radiotherapy instead of the usual twenty. The outcomes were equally strong, offering patients a much more convenient treatment option.

Finding new vulnerabilities in cancer cells

By studying thousands of tumour samples, our scientists identified genes that cancer cells rely on when key protective genes are lost. These findings reveal potential new targets for treatment and help us understand cancer biology more deeply.

Understanding how mutated genes drive cancer

We discovered a new role for a gene commonly mutated in cancer. When this gene is lost, it disrupts chromosome stability during cell division, helping explain how cancers develop and offering insights for future treatment strategies.

Approval of a new treatment for rare ovarian cancer

A drug combination developed through long-term collaboration between the ICR, The Royal Marsden, and industry partners was approved in the US for recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer. This is the first treatment specifically licensed for this rare cancer type.

More personalised radiotherapy for breast cancer

Our research showed that women with low-risk breast cancer can safely receive radiotherapy focused just on the area around the tumour, rather than the whole breast. The results were just as effective in preventing recurrence and had fewer side effects. This approach is now widely adopted in the NHS.

Delaying chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer

A next-generation targeted drug, used alongside existing treatments, delayed the need for chemotherapy by nearly two years for patients with certain advanced breast cancers. Blood-based tests guided treatment decisions, helping personalise care.

Guiding treatment decisions in multiple myeloma

Finally, our researchers found how specific genetic changes affect whether patients respond to commonly used treatments for multiple myeloma. While some mutations caused resistance, newer drugs may still be effective, helping clinicians personalise care.

These advances are possible because of the generous support of Trusts like yourselves. We are very grateful for your support and look forward to sharing more progress in the year ahead.

Beth

Trusts Fundraising Officer

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