Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
search Issue 28 Autumn 2013 For supporters of The Institute of Cancer Research 100 years of drug discovery The importance of being imaged How you can support the ICR Our mission is to make the discoveries that defeat cancer. Written and produced by ICR Communications and the Development Office Design by Jeff Eden 07976 910352 © September 2013. The Institute of Cancer Research. All rights reserved. Contact us: The Institute of Cancer Research 123 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RP T 020 7153 5387 E [email protected] W www.icr.ac.uk www.facebook.com/theinstituteofcancerresearch @icrnews The Institute of Cancer Research: Royal Cancer Hospital. Registered Office: 123 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RP. A Charity, Not for Profit. Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No. 534147. VAT Registration No. 849 0581 02. 3 Editorial As Director of Development at the ICR, people often ask me what I like most about my job. No matter who asks my answer is always the same: I enjoy bringing together people – supporters and scientists – who care about research and who can collectively make a difference to patients’ lives. Our work is truly inspirational. No other academic research institute has discovered and developed as many anti-cancer drugs. And in cancer wards around the world, patients are being successfully treated thanks to research that took place at the ICR. But it’s also thanks to you, our donors and supporters, that our work continues to push the boundaries of scientific research. Whether you support us through a trust, via Direct Debit, by taking part in a sporting or social event, or in another way, you are helping us make the discoveries that defeat cancer. I hope you enjoy reading your copy of Search. Lara Jukes Director of Development The Institute of Cancer Research, London 04Research news round-up 06New faces 08Spotlight: drug discovery 12 Research briefing: the importance of imaging 14Profile Clare Isacke: Academic Dean 15Profile Jin Lin: PhD student 16 Getting involved 17 Regular giving 18 Supporter profile 19 Fundraising successes 4 RESEARCH NEWS ROUND-UP Experimental breast cancer drugs could also treat lung cancer © JMARCHN, CREATIVE COMMONS BY3.0 Experimental drugs developed for breast and ovarian cancers could also be used to treat the most common type of lung cancer, scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) have discovered. The study showed how experimental drugs called PARP inhibitors could be used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Half of all NSCLC tumours have a fault that blocks one of the ways that cells repair mistakes in their DNA. Adding PARP inhibitors to these lung cancer cells damages a second DNA damage repair system. This double blow kills lung cancer cells, but leaves healthy cells unscathed. Prostate cancer patients see life expectancy double Men with advanced prostate cancer have seen their life expectancy more than double in a decade – from less than a year and a half to almost four years. The research, conducted by the ICR and The Royal Marsden, found the introduction of a range of new drugs has had such an impact that the system doctors use to predict how long patients will live now needs to be revised. Professor Johann de Bono, Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at the ICR and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Royal Marsden, said: “This highlights the remarkable benefits we are seeing from new treatments for men with advanced prostate cancer. Put simply, men are living for much longer with incurable disease than they did a few years ago.” RESEARCH NEWS ROUND-UP Measles virus used to give cancer ‘quadruple whammy’ An innovative new combination treatment that uses the measles virus to target cancer cells could significantly improve treatment for bowel cancer and head and neck cancers. ICR researchers found that exposing cancer cells to a genetically modified measles virus, in conjunction with radioactive iodide, radiotherapy and a gene-targeting drug, was much more effective than using any of the treatments separately. Study leader Professor Kevin Harrington, Joint Head of the Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging at the ICR, said: “Each of the four treatments in this study can work on their own, but using them together gives cancer a quadruple whammy.” New breast cancer test will help women avoid unnecessary chemotherapy A new genetic test for breast cancer will help doctors to determine which women need chemotherapy, according to a team at the ICR and The Royal Marsden. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to stop cancer coming back, but it has major side-effects and isn’t always needed. The new test, called PAM50, can help predict who needs chemotherapy and who will recover without it. Unlike current tests, it can be performed locally rather than having to send samples to the US. For more information on these stories and other ICR research news, visit icr.ac.uk/press 5 6 NEW FACES: LUKE JOHNSON Luke Johnson takes the helm Luke Johnson, one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs and former Chairman of Channel 4, has taken over as Chairman of the ICR. Luke Johnson, famous in particular for building up restaurant chains Pizza Express, Strada and Giraffe, will now direct his trademark dynamism and business acumen to building on the ICR’s successes and helping cement our position on the world stage. He said: “I am thrilled to be taking up this position at one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes, with such an impressive track record of achievement. I was attracted by the ICR’s ethos of research for patient benefit, and by its astonishing record of success in cancer genetics and new targeted therapeutics. I hope to use my business experience to help maximise the ICR’s opportunities for collaboration and innovation, and to build its brand as a worldleading research institution.” At Channel 4, he took over one of Britain’s leading media organisations and led it to record ratings and numerous awards successes, while as Chairman of the Royal Society of Arts, he championed the formation of a network of academies. Professor Alan Ashworth, Chief Executive of the ICR, is delighted to welcome Johnson to his new position: “This a pivotal time for cancer research, as technological advances put us on the brink of a new era of personalised medicine. The ICR has plans to deliver a worldleading and ambitious new approach to cancer treatment driven by our cutting-edge research, and Luke has the credentials to help us realise those ambitions.” Luke Johnson was attracted by the ICR’s strong track record NEW FACES: PROFESSOR UWE OELFKE 7 Specialist tumour tracker joins us Professor Uwe Oelfke, the ICR’s latest high-profile scientific recruit, is a specialist at targeting radiation at tumours with pinpoint accuracy – with beams even adjusted during the process of treating patients. The new head of the ICR’s and The Royal Marsden’s Joint Department of Physics has come over from Germany to lead pioneering work in using imaging and dose delivery technologies to improve the quality and effectiveness of radiotherapy. His work in three-dimensional tumour tracking has reached such accuracy that it can take into account movements of a tumour induced by a patient breathing. This allows precise imaging of the boundaries of a tumour and where normal tissue begins. The department’s research should allow radiation to be delivered ever more accurately to tumours while minimising damage to healthy tissue. “Consequently radiotherapy patients will experience fewer side-effects and have a better quality of life,” he explained. Professor Oelfke is inspired by the interdisciplinary approach to cancer research offered by the ICR and The Royal Marsden: “Without doubt, the ICR and The Royal Marsden offer one of the few places in the world which unite pure research with clinical expertise. One of my future interests is to combine the ICR’s unique drug development programme with radiotherapy to find the best treatments for cancer patients.” Also joining the department is Dr Simeon Professor Uwe Oelfke specialises in three-dimensional imaging of tumours Nill, who has worked with Professor Oelfke for the past 15 years, as the new head of translational radiotherapy physics. Professor Oelfke said: “I am delighted Dr Nill could join me at the ICR. He is extremely efficient, and can translate technologies into the clinic faster than anyone else I know of. He is also a gifted mentor – an enthusiastic supervisor of both students and Post Docs.” 8 SPOTLIGHT: DRUG DISCOVERY The ICR discovers and develops more new cancer drugs than any other academic centre in the world. Here, we trace cancer drug treatment from its origins in World War I, and over the page, introduce you to one of our most exciting new treatments. 100 years of drug The first chemotherapy drug, melphalan, was an adapted version of World War I mustard gas. Since then the process of drug discovery and development has become far more sophisticated, with new style medicines now targeted against specific molecular traits of tumours. At a recent summer 1940s Madagascar Periwinkle is found to suppress white blood cell count in leukaemia patients. World War II soldiers stationed in the Philippines use Madagascar Periwinkle as an alternative to insulin during shortages. American and Canadian researchers go on to discover its cancer therapeutic properties. 1950s Melphalan, made from mustard gas used in WWI, is used to treat myeloma and ovarian cancer. It is very toxic, but does cure some patients and extends life. It is still used to treat some patients today. event of the ICR’s Discovery Club, Chief Executive Professor Alan Ashworth gave a potted history of drug discovery and in the appropriate setting of the Chelsea Physic Garden explained the role of medicinal plants in early drug development. Here are some of the highlights: 1970s Carboplatin, a platinum-based compound which prevents cancer cells from multiplying, is developed at the ICR to treat lung, ovarian and head and neck cancers. The ICR, together with The Royal Marsden and Johnson Matthey plc, receive the Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement in 1991. Carboplatin is still used today to treat patients. SPOTLIGHT: DRUG DISCOVERY 9 discovery 1998 Raltitrexed, developed at the ICR in the 1980s, is approved to treat colorectal cancer. The drug stops tumour cells from growing by blocking their ability to make DNA. 2002 Professor Alan Ashworth explains the history of drug discovery to Discovery Club members ICR scientists discover BRAF gene mutations can cause the most dangerous form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. Vemurafinib, a drug which targets this gene, is offered on the NHS in 2012. It is the first personalised treatment for advanced melanoma. 2011 Abiraterone, a revolutionary hormone therapy for prostate cancer discovered at the ICR, is approved in the US and Europe. A large-scale international trial was stopped early to allow those on the placebo arm to be offered the drug. World War I soldiers drill in their gas masks 2013 AUY-922, a pioneering treatment for resistant breast and lung cancers, shows great promise in clinical trials. It works by targeting and inactivating a crucial molecule called HSP90, which cancer cells are dependent on for growth. (See next page). 10 SPOTLIGHT: DRUG DISCOVERY Bringing down cancer’s defences One of cancer’s cruellest traits is its ability to become resistant to treatment. But leading ICR scientists are giving fresh hope to patients after finding a way to strip tumours of their defences – making them sensitive to treatment once again. It’s an all-too-familiar story. Initially, a patient’s cancer appears to be responding to treatment, only to become resistant and start growing once more. Now, a team at the ICR is meeting one of the biggest challenges in cancer research, after discovering a new class of drugs that can strip tumours of their defences against treatments. The drugs, known as HSP90 inhibitors, offer patients the possibility of sustained responses – and potentially many months of extra life. The new drugs are the latest example of how the ICR joins up cutting-edge science with the best clinical research to take new treatments to patients as quickly as possible. Researchers are now assessing HSP90 inhibitors in clinical trials, with early tests prompting excitement that they can be SPOTLIGHT: DRUG DISCOVERY 11 “I’m very excited by the early results these drugs are having in clinical trials, and believe they offer patients real hope that their cancers can be kept at bay for far longer, giving them more quality time with their loved ones.” PROFESSOR PAUL WORKMAN, ICR Deputy Chief Executive effective in many types of cancer, including breast, lung and prostate. The drugs work by blocking the activity of ‘heat shock protein’ (HSP90) molecules, which are essential for the stability of many cancer-causing proteins, including those that lead to drug resistance. Professor Workman explains: “Our new drugs appear to be effective at tackling drug resistance because they attack tumours in multiple ways at once – disabling several different defences that cancer cells use against today’s treatments. I’m very excited by the early results these drugs are having in clinical trials, and believe they offer patients real hope that their cancers can be kept at bay for far longer, giving them more quality time with their loved ones. By extending lives of all cancer patients as much as possible we are working towards a cure.” Members of The Discovery Club help drive forward the ICR’s scientific strategy by making a philanthropic donation to support our Tumour Profiling Unit, Clinician Scientist Fellowships and the Centre for Cancer Imaging. Our aim is to raise at least £1m for each project over the next three years. To join The Discovery Club and support these initiatives, please contact the Development Office: email [email protected] or phone 020 7153 5315. 300 patients each year undergo clinical trials under the care of the ICR and The Royal Marsden. Our Drug Development Unit is one of the biggest trial centres in the world. Six molecularly targeted drugs discovered by the ICR have reached clinical trial in our Drug Development Unit since 2005. It used to take at least 20 years to discover and develop a new drug. It only took 11 years for the approval of vemurafenib following the initial discovery of the B-RAF oncogene by the ICR. We aim to reduce discovery time to 3-5 years. 12 Research briefing The importance of being imaged Penn State CC BY-NC 2.0 Although drugs tend to grab the headlines in cancer stories, imaging plays a vital role in cancer research, diagnosis and indeed treatment. From massive MRI machines to portable ultrasound units, a wide variety of imaging technologies are crucial to the life-saving work of the modern cancer specialist. Imaging technologies enable researchers to better understand how cancer develops and help doctors to make diagnoses without invasive surgery, and to track the progress of cancer before, after and during treatment. Imaging can even be used to guide treatment in real time – allowing precise targeting of a radiotherapy beam or surgeon’s scalpel – and to demonstrate the effects of cancer drugs. The ICR is at the cutting-edge of cancer imaging, pioneering techniques such as 3D organ motion tracking and whole-body imaging. Physical biopsies can only show a snapshot of a tumour and are invasive surgical procedures, whereas advanced imaging can provide real-time pictures and analysis of a tumour, without causing the patient discomfort. But to take its imaging research to the next level, the ICR needs to bring its imaging scientists together in a state-of-theart building, and to further enhance its worldclass capability in imaging. Advances in imaging technologies can improve how we monitor and develop drugs, and can also reduce the need for invasive procedures such as repeated biopsies. That’s why we are building a cutting- Research briefing 13 Cancer imaging: key facts MRI machines generate magnetic fields 20-30,000 times greater than the earth’s magnetic field. The CCI will house 130 researchers who will work on the latest imaging instruments – and collaborate with researchers across the ICR. It will house new state-of-the-art instrumentation including 3D X-ray and high-tech PET scanners. The CCI will enhance and accelerate the discovery and development of new cancer treatments. edge imaging research facility – the new Centre for Cancer Imaging (CCI). Our Deputy Chief Executive, Professor Paul Workman, explains: “Enhancing our world-class imaging is essential, firstly to help understand how cancer develops in the whole organism, and secondly to help us to discover and develop better therapies for patients.” David Collins is Principal Clinical Scientist in the MRI team at the ICR and The Royal Marsden, and works on developing advanced MRI techniques for both the lab and the clinic. He says: “The new CCI will make an enormous difference to our work. Having everything we need under one roof will greatly accelerate the translational aspect of our work, delivering real benefits to patients much sooner.” When developing new treatments for cancer, imaging is essential to understanding World Bank Photo Collection CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Advanced imaging can visualise how tumours are responding to treatment or to help guide treatment tools. what effects they have and how they work. Enhancing our imaging science will accelerate this progress. Our world-class, purpose-built facility will attract talented new researchers, enabling us not only to research the latest and most sophisticated imaging techniques, but also to speed up the development of the next generation of cancer drugs. You could help to bring the next generation of cancer treatments to patients sooner by supporting the Centre for Cancer Imaging. If you or your organisation is interested in helping support the CCI, please contact the Development Office: email [email protected] or phone 020 7153 5315. 14 Profile: Professor Clare Isacke A leading researcher with an infectious enthusiasm for science Inspiring cancer scientists of the future Professor Clare Isacke has been a scientist for over two decades and she has never lost the thrill of looking down a microscope. In her role as Academic Dean at the ICR she is now using her enthusiasm to inspire the next generation of cancer research scientists. “Stimulating the minds of our students, encouraging them to ask the really hard questions, and helping them find answers, are essential for their development,” explains Professor Isacke. These are essential attributes that will help develop the cancer scientists of tomorrow. “If we can support these upcoming cancer scientists now, they will have a flying start in their research careers – crucial for the development of new treatments for patients.” CV Name: Professor Clare Isacke Joined the ICR: 2001 Specialist subject: Breast cancer and cancer metastasis Greatest achievements: “I have been in research for over two decades and I still wake up every day excited about science. I have never lost the thrill of looking down the microscope – I think that is a pretty big achievement.” In her own words: “Students at the ICR are treated as valued members of staff – we realise this is important in their future development. I am excited to be involved in their journey.” Professor Isacke began her career as a lecturer at Imperial College London and has taught undergraduate students as well as supervising MD and PhD students. “During my time in academia, I have witnessed a dramatic and welcome improvement in student training and mentoring,” reflects Professor Isacke. “At the ICR I continue to be impressed by the quality of our students and of their science. “In my role as Academic Dean, I will strive to ensure that the ICR remains a premier environment for the development of the next generation of academics and clinicians, but also an environment that nurtures students to be courageous in their science and their thinking and to be ambitious for the future of cancer research.” Profile: Jin Lin 15 For one PhD student, measuring tissue elasticity provides another perspective about cancer Imaging to spot stretchy tumours CV Name: Jin Li Joined the ICR: 2011 Research interest: MRI elastography In her own words: “My research is fascinating because there are so many unanswered questions. When we find the answers, they will have a real impact on patient diagnosis and treatment planning.” Jin Li is a third-year PhD student at the ICR with an interest in one of the stranger properties of tumours – their changing stiffness as they spread out into surrounding tissues. Our PhD students work on cutting-edge projects with the potential to deliver real benefits for patients – and in this case measuring tumour stiffness could help with cancer diagnosis and predicting therapy outcome. Whether a tumour is soft and stretchy, or stiff and immobile, turns out to be an important predictor of how likely it is to invade surrounding tissues and spread. “The mechanical properties of tissue can tell us a lot about cancer,” Jin explains. “By using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we can see how harmless mechanical vibrations move through the body. This can give clues about how invasive a tumour is, allowing more personal treatment planning.” The technique, known as MR elastography, could prove beneficial in assessing patients without the need to perform an invasive biopsy. With MR elastography, the internal organs, such as liver, prostate and even brain, can be virtually palpated. Jin explains: “For patients, undergoing a biopsy can be extremely worrying and painful, but by using this technique to image tumours, I hope it will reduce the need for invasive surgical procedures.” You could help us train the cancer research leaders of the future. If you or your organisation is interested in helping support a student, please contact the Development Office: email [email protected] or phone 020 7153 5315. 16 GETTING INVOLVED Getting involved Support our ground-breaking research by taking part in one of our exciting fundraising events. Carols from Chelsea | Tuesday 3 December 2013 Held in Wren’s stunning chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this wonderful carol service is a must in anyone’s calendar. London to Paris Cycle | Several departure dates in 2014 Calling all keen cyclists! Ride 300 miles over five days to finish at the iconic Eiffel Tower – a classic team experience. Three Cities | May & August 2014 Already completed London to Paris? Your next challenge is this exciting cycle ride through beautiful English countryside, crossing the channel to the Dutch lowlands via Amsterdam, then on to the historic medieval centre of Brussels. Virgin Money London Marathon | Sunday 13 April 2014 Apply for one of our Golden Bond places or join our team with your own ballot place. BMW Berlin Marathon I Sunday 28 September 2014* Achieve your personal best on this fantastic course in Berlin. Apply for one of our guaranteed places or support us with your own ballot place. *Date TBC by race organisers. ICR SUPPORTERS JUBILANT AFTER successfully finishing the LONDON TO PARIS CYCLE Sahara Desert Trek | Several departure dates in 2014/15. Be transported to another world with the dramatic landscapes of the Sahara desert. Other overseas trek destinations are available; see icr.ac.uk for more details. Do you have your own place in an event? There are hundreds of running and sports events that you can take part in around the UK and abroad for the ICR or our Everyman appeal. If you have your own place in any event, get in touch to join our team. Visit icr.ac.uk/events for more information about any of our fundraising events, or phone the events team on 020 7153 5307 or email [email protected]. Download your free fundraising pack at icr.ac.uk/events Regular giving 17 Regular giving is a great way to support the ICR Tragically, one in three of us will develop cancer in our lifetime. And even if we are not affected ourselves, almost all of us will be moved by the pain and suffering cancer causes to friends or loved ones. Our scientists and clinicians are driven by the desire to ease this suffering and are working every day in our labs to make a real impact on cancer patients’ lives. But cancer research takes time – it took nearly two decades of dedicated work by ICR scientists and researchers before the drug abiraterone was licensed for use in the UK – and requires significant financial investment. That’s why regular giving via Direct Debit is so important to us. It gives us the ability to plan ahead and commit to long-term projects knowing we have the support of our donors. Giving by Direct Debit is safe and easy for donors too. Once the gift is set, your donations will leave your account automatically on your preferred payment date. And under the Direct Debit Guarantee you can amend or cancel your gift at any time. “I feel happy knowing that I’m helping to defeat cancer.” BEN ALLEN, ICR SUPPORTER Ben Allen, an ICR supporter, said: “Deciding to set up a regular donation to the ICR is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Every month, when the gift leaves my account, I feel happy knowing that I’m helping to defeat cancer.” Interested in setting up a regular donation to help the ICR defeat cancer? Visit icr.ac.uk/donate 18 MEET OUR SUPPORTERS Hitting the right notes to defeat cancer As a fan of traditional hymns, ICR supporter Liz Vyvyan is the perfect person to chair the Carols from Chelsea service organising committee. And in its tenth year, she’s determined to make this year’s event the most successful ever. “When a good friend asked me if I would be interested in joining the Carols from Chelsea organising committee, I said yes almost immediately. Everyone knows someone who’s had – or has – cancer, and I wanted to do my bit to help, not knowing that in 2010 I too would be diagnosed with cancer. “I’ve been fortunate to have met many ICR scientists, and every time I do, it reinforces my reasons for getting involved. Professor Alan Ashworth, the ICR’s Chief Executive, speaks with such passion and I never fail to be impressed by his work and that of his fellow researchers. “I became chair of the organising committee earlier this year and I’m hoping that the Carols from Chelsea event this December will be the best yet. Our celebrity speakers are confirmed Liz Vyvyan meets Professor Alan Ashworth at recent Discovery Club event and we’ve chosen some traditional and uplifting carols. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the chance to mingle with friends and family in the glorious chapel at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea. This year we’re hoping to raise over £100,000 which will take the total raised by the committee to over £1million.” Visit icr.ac.uk/events for more information on any of our fundraising events. FUNDRAISING SUCCESSES 19 BrainRunners raise over £45,000 for the ICR Scott McIntosh led an enthusiastic team of fundraisers, named the BrainRunners, through a summer of successful fundraising events for the ICR. The team raised over £45,000 for research led by the ICR’s Dr Chris Jones into paediatric high-grade glioma – a type of malignant brain tumour. The 50-strong team of fundraisers took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Running Festival, as well as organising the BrainRunners Ball and their own family fun run – Run it with a Bunnet! Former Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson MBE, kindly attended a special performance day at Doonfoot Primary School, Ayr, singing songs and reading stories from her awardwinning repertoire, including ‘The Gruffalo’. Parents, teachers and pupils all helped to raise funds for our research. The ICR would like to extend thanks to all the BrainRunners and everyone involved in these fantastic fundraising events. BRAINRUNNERS RAISE OVER £45,000 FOR ICR RESEARCH Julia Donaldson visits children from Doonfoot Primary School Freemasons’ Grand Charity funds new genomics team leader The Freemasons’ Grand Charity gifted £150,000 to fund a new genomics scientist within the ICR’s Tumour Profiling Unit – a new initiative that will change the way in which clinicians diagnose and monitor cancer. The Tumour Profiling Unit will enable the development of treatment programmes tailored to the specific DNA mutations driving a cancer at that point in time. The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is a longstanding donor to the ICR, previously supporting our cutting-edge prostate cancer research. The generosity of the Freemasons’ Grand Charity is essential for the recruitment of a genomics manager to lead vital research into genetic sequencing. Laura Chapman, Chief Executive of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, said: “Funding medical research is central to the Grand Charity’s grant making and benefits society as a whole. We are delighted that our grant to the ICR is enabling the development of personalised cancer treatment.” www.icr.ac.uk