New research reveals a weakness of breast cancer cells hiding in plain sight
Researchers at the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at The Institute of Cancer Research, London have uncovered a hidden weakness in some tumours that could lead to smarter treatment decisions.
01 May 2025
New immunotherapy approach shows promise for treatment-resistant breast cancer
Researchers funded by Breast Cancer Now have developed a new type of antibody that stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells and slow tumour growth. The study reveals a promising new approach to tackling cancers that don’t respond to standard therapies.
07 Apr 2025
New research into breast cancer dormancy aims to prevent recurrence
Most breast cancers don’t return after treatment. But in some cases, cancer cells can remain inactive in the body for years before reawakening. Thanks to the generosity of supporters of the Patricia Swannell Appeal, we’re now funding 2 pioneering research projects to understand how these ‘dormant’ cells survive and reawaken.
20 Feb 2025
New discovery reveals more targeted treatment for triple-negative breast cancer
Our researchers have revealed that targeting a protein called OTUD6B could be key in preventing aggressive breast cancer cells from continuing to grow, divide and form tumours. This exciting research could open the door to more effective treatments for difficult-to-treat cancers like triple negative breast cancer.
07 Feb 2025
Helping researchers improve radiotherapy resources
Our Breast Cancer Voices have been working with researchers on the Respire+ project. The project aims to improve radiotherapy resources for those going through breast cancer treatment. Together, they’re shaping tools that help to prepare for treatment and manage side effects, while making sure people feel supported every step of the way.
24 Jan 2025
Pathways to the future: A new machine learning predictive tool for lobular breast cancer
Our researchers have developed a new machine learning tool that could help doctors predict long term outcomes and treatment response for people with invasive lobular breast cancer. This could open up new treatment avenues and help avoid unnecessary chemo for some people with lobular breast cancer.
10 Dec 2024
Our top 5 research discoveries in 2024
Research is the key to stopping breast cancer in its tracks. This year, our scientists have made incredible progress, uncovering discoveries that could transform treatments and bring us closer to a future where everyone with breast cancer lives, and lives well. In this article, we share some of the biggest achievements of the year and what they mean for people affected by breast cancer.
09 Dec 2024
New ‘triplet therapy’ doubles progression-free survival in advanced breast cancer
A clinical trial, led by one of our scientists, has revealed the benefits of a powerful combination of 3 drugs for aggressive secondary breast cancer.
31 Oct 2024
Celebrating 20 years of our Generations Study
The Breast Cancer Now Generations Study is a landmark project investigating the causes of breast cancer. This year we’re marking the 20-year anniversary and celebrating the study's successes so far.
17 Sept 2024
New research reveals how cancer cells pretend to be ‘super-fit’ to survive and spread
Our researchers uncovered how cancer cells can hijack a natural process called cell competition to help them grow and spread at the expense of healthy cells. These findings could lead to new treatment approaches for breast cancer.
19 Jul 2024
Researchers identify new target for treating secondary breast cancer in the brain
Our scientists have identified a key factor driving the spread of oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer to the brain. They hope this could eventually lead to new, better treatments for people affected by this type of secondary breast cancer.
13 Jul 2024
New way to kill cancer cells could lead to longer lasting protection for people with breast cancer
Researchers, part-funded by Breast Cancer Now, discovered that killing breast cancer cells in a new way activates the immune system to detect and destroy remaining cancer cells. This could offer longer protection to people with the disease.
21 May 2024
Researchers identify what drives PARP inhibitor resistance in secondary breast cancer
Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, have increased our understanding of how cancer drugs called PARP inhibitors stop working in people with secondary breast cancer. This research could ultimately help predict who’s more likely to respond to these drugs, and could lead to better ways to treat the disease.
07 May 2024
Our researchers have discovered a new targeted immunotherapy approach
Funded by us, researchers have discovered a new type of immunotherapy that could stop breast cancer from growing and spreading. They found that targeting a protein called endosialin using a specific type of immunotherapy disrupts the tumour's blood supply. This can hinder its growth and spread. The researchers are developing this treatment further so that it can be tested in clinical trials.
28 Feb 2024
A potential new way to overcome fulvestrant resistance in secondary breast cancer
Scientists have furthered our understanding of how some secondary breast cancers can become resistant to the hormone therapy fulvestrant.
08 Feb 2024
Helping researchers understand people’s experience of bisphosphonates
Our Breast Cancer Voices have helped a team of researchers better understand how people feel about taking bisphosphonates for primary breast cancer. Our Voices use their diverse breast cancer experiences to create change and impact breast cancer work and research.
25 Jan 2024
Measuring the impact of health conditions on partners and family members
Our Breast Cancer Voices helped researchers measure the effect of someone’s health condition on their partners and family members.
12 Jan 2024
Our top 5 research breakthroughs of 2023
Research is the key to stopping breast cancer in its tracks. And our scientists have been working hard throughout the year to better understand breast cancer. With this comes some amazing discoveries, from improving treatments to discovering new ways to predict breast cancer spreading.
21 Dec 2023
Potential new drug combination for ER-positive breast cancer
Our scientists have found a potential new way to treat secondary oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancers that have become resistant to existing drugs.
30 Nov 2023
Our researchers receive a prestigious science award
This year, our scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research help the ICR bring in the Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
17 Nov 2023