Cancer Research UK logo.
SearchDonate
  • Search
A photo of two women in lab coats smiling.

Breakthroughs: Treat

Making treatments better and kinder.

A world where people live longer, better lives 

We’re discovering cancer’s weaknesses so we can make more personalised treatments that help more people live longer lives with fewer side effects. 

Meet David

Photo of David, sitting in front of a garden.

The Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET scan revealed that the cancer was starting to spread from the prostate. That information proved vital to the doctors to get the cancer treated quickly.”

- David

Our biggest breakthroughs in treatment

Radiotherapy device.

Back to the future: how our breakthroughs shaped radiotherapy

We were there at the start of radiotherapy, more than 120 years ago. Ever since then, we've been making this lifesaving and life-improving treatment more effective, and more futuristic.

Scientist in laboratory.

Boosting the search for glioblastoma treatments: the 5G trial

We're funding a pioneering new trial to find more and better treatment options for people with brain tumours.

Cell molecules, under a microscope.

Going viral: the discovery that opened the door to targeted cancer therapy

Our researchers discovered that EGFR, a molecule produced by our cells, can fuel cancer growth. This breakthrough led to the development of targeted treatments that attack cancer at its source.

Cancer cells illuminated in fluorescent dye.

Lighting up prostate cancer

Prostate cancer cells can be hard for a surgeon to spot, so we're using a fluorescent dye to light them up.

How we’re making better, kinder treatments 

Our scientists led the development of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and improved the way surgery is used to tackle cancer. 

Millions

We were a key player in the development of radiotherapy, which now benefits millions of people with cancer worldwide.

8 in 10

More than 8 in 10 people who receive cancer drugs in the UK receive a drug developed by or with us. 

9 in 10

More than 9 in 10 children and young people who receive cancer drugs in the UK receive a drug developed by or with us.

Help us make more breakthroughs

Find out how you can support our life-saving work.

Donate

Get involved

A Cancer Research UK researcher at her computer, looking at a clipboard.

Breakthroughs in other areas of cancer research

Every day, breakthroughs are saving lives. That’s the power of our science.