Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

BBC Radio 4 LW

Britain's Labs

Britain's Labs: Episode 1: The Institute for Cancer Research

Documentaries

Factual: Science & Nature

Episode 1

Episode 1: The Institute for Cancer Research

The Institute for Cancer Research

BBC Radio 4 - Britain's Labs, The Institute for Cancer Research

Prof Iain Stewart explores genetic approaches to the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Hopes are pinned on targeted genetic therapies as a future treatment for cancers. Prof Iain Stewart visits the UK lab where this approach is leading to the development of drugs.

In the first of four programmes looking at Britain's leading laboratories, Professor Iain Stewart visits the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton in Surrey. The laboratory grew out of the Royal Marsden Hospital with which it shares a site and the two work closely together.

The ICR is one of the main centres for the investigation of the genetic causes and possible cures/remedies for cancer. The effort is going into identifying the genetic drivers for the disease and then finding a way to turn these off. The work has been hugely accelerated by the completion of the Human Genome Project and by information technology which allows researchers to sift through genetic data at unprecedented speed.

Iain hears about new drugs which are being developed and about how we will think differently about the nature of cancer in years to come. 

Producer: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Professor Iain Stewart visits Britain's leading laboratories

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Britain's Labs

Episode 1: The Institute for Cancer Research

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4