Institute of Cancer Research

The Institute of Cancer Research, in Sutton is a Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Centre of Excellence.

We are currently investing £3.6 million into research at this centre. Find out more about all Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research's Centres of Excellence.

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has been recognised for its world-class research into leukaemia in children and adults and is home to some of the world’s leading blood cancer scientists.

In 2008 breakthrough research led by Professor Mel Greaves at ICR, and Professor Tariq Enver then at University of Oxford , achieved a world-first as they confirmed the existence of stem cells responsible for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

This research, which proved that childhood ALL starts in the womb, confirmed theories that a second trigger is needed to cause full blown leukaemia, as not every child with these cancer stem cells goes on to develop the disease.

We continue to support the work of Professor Greaves, which is seeking to fully understand the causes of childhood leukaemia. Dr Caroline Bateman, who has a Clinical Research Training Fellowship from Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, is working with Professor Greaves to investigate this further.

Genetic origins of leukaemia

Professor Richard Houlston, who has long-term Specialist Programme funding from Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, seeks to identify the genetic factors that increase the chances of adults and children developing leukaemia. This research uses state of the art technology available at the centre to uncover more clues about the origins of blood cancer.

Professor Houlston’s research has found variations within particular genes that mean some people are more likely to develop chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, the most common form of leukaemia in adults.

Continued research will reveal more clues about how blood cancers develop.

Treatment resistance in adult leukaemia

Dr Arthur Zelent, who also has a long-term Specialist Programme, is investigating the causes of treatment resistance in adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

AML is a particularly aggressive blood cancer that is difficult to treat, especially as many patients are elderly or frail.

Dr Zelent is looking in detail at how a drug called ATRA, which is currently used to treat a form of AML called acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is so effective. ATRA is much more targeted and less toxic than other forms of chemotherapy, and Dr Zelent hopes to be able to repeat its success for adults with AML.