Latest news from the labs: What your support means for our research

Dear Voornaam,

We’ve had some exciting discoveries coming out of our labs over the past few months,with major news events making headlines nationwide. But every single piece of research conducted in our labs is helping us take vital steps towards defeating all types of cancer.

Elen has been taking capivasertib since her cancer returned and spread to her bones, stomach and bowel, after eight years of being cancer-free.

NHS patients to be treated with new breast cancer drug

A new targeted drug has been recommended for NHS patients in England and Wales for treating the most common type of advanced breast cancer. When used alongside another treatment type, the combination will treat over 1,000 patients a year, which could rise to over 3,000.

Our scientists played a crucial role in the development of the drug, from years of research aimed at understanding how the AKT protein is regulated, to an early phase clinical trial. Our researchers are helping to improve the lives of many NHS patients living with advanced breast cancer.

Simple spit test could turn the tide on prostate cancer

At-home spit tests are helping identify men with a high risk of prostate cancer. The BARCODE study showed that our simple saliva test was more accurate than blood sample testing.

Neuroblastoma research could lead to tailored treatments

New research has identified a genetic mutation that may affect a neuroblastoma patient's response to treatments. This opens up the possibility of new, tailored treatment for this childhood cancer.

Genetic testing spots high-risk blood cancer earlier

A new test can identify myeloma patients that are at high risk of not responding to current treatments and could help us to develop bespoke treatments to keep their cancer at bay for longer.

Scientists discover ways to block melanoma spreading

Scientists have discovered a new way to predict which tumours will become aggressive before they spread around the body. This paves the way for treatments that will tackle cancer before it can spread.

These are just some of the latest discoveries coming out of our labs, all of which are helping us get one step closer to defeating cancer.

If you would like to support our latest appeal, to help more people survive blood cancer, please donate here.

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With warm wishes, 

Catherine Graham 
Joint Head of Fundraising Campaigns and Individual Giving 