The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton has received royal recognition for its breakthroughs for discovering new cancer treatments.

Sutton’s cancer research centre was granted the Queen’s Anniversary Prize and will be presented with the award at Buckingham Palace in February 2018.

The ICR has discovered 20 new targeted drug cancers and has used nine in clinical trials since 2005.

A partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust allows the ICR to transfer their research to working with patients.

Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of the ICR, London, said: “It’s a huge honour to be awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize.

“It recognises the incredible achievements we’ve made which have only been possible because of the expertise and hard work of so many people across the ICR, and the generous support of our funders, donors and collaborators.

“Cancer affects so many people’s lives and we’re committed to doing research that is not only scientifically excellent but also that delivers with a strong sense of urgency real benefit for patients and their families.”

A prostate cancer survivor told Sutton Guardian in September how radiation therapy treatment at The Royal Marsden saved his life.

The clinical trial on a high-tech form of radiation carried out by the Marsden and the ICR found that 71 per cent of patients were alive and disease-free five years after treatment.

William Burley, 76, told Sutton Guardian: “It seems to have killed my cancer. I’m healthy and I can now carry on with the sports I enjoy like swimming and cycling.”

Speaking about the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, Sir Damon Buffini, chairman of the Royal Anniversary Trust, said: “The focus of the Prizes on innovation and practical benefit to people and society is a great incentive to our universities and colleges to think critically about the direction of their work and its application and relevance in today’s world.

“The national recognition and prestige conferred by the Prizes also enables individual institutions to win support and leverage funding for their future plans.”