For nearly 60 years, Israel Cancer Association (ICA) has been making a dramatic difference in the lives
of individuals diagnosed with cancer. By serving cancer patients and their families, and by providing
major funding to brilliant cancer researchers/scientists in the State of Israel, ICA has benefited
cancer victims worldwide as it closes in on cures.
Each year, Israel Cancer Association USA (ICA USA) provides fellowships to individual Israeli scientists
to conduct specific advanced cancer research. What makes this arrangement unique is that the funds for
these research fellowships go directly to the scientists involved in the research project. The cost of
cancer research in Israel is a fraction of the cost in the United States.
Following is a sampling of brilliant breakthroughs in cancer research funded by ICA USA Cancer Research
Fellowships:
ICA USA funded scientist demonstrates why DNA breaks down in cancer cells
May 2011 - In laboratory work carried out at the Hebrew University, Professor Batsheva Kerem of the Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences and her Ph.D. student Assaf C. Bester demonstrated that abnormal activation of cellular proliferation driving many different cancer types leads to insufficient levels of the DNA building blocks (nucleotides) required to support normal DNA replication.
Then, using laboratory cultures in which cancerous cells were introduced, the researchers were able to show that through external supply of those DNA building blocks it is possible to reactivate normal DNA synthesis, thus negating the damage caused by the cancerous cells and the cancerous potential. This is the first time that this has been demonstrated anywhere.
Professor Aaron Ciechanover (2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry)
Professor Ciechanover pioneered the field of protein degradation. When each protein is present in the cell at
the right time and the right level, the cells function in a normal way. Professor Ciechanover was among the
first to show that cells can regulate their correct protein levels by using a degradation mechanism. When
the control of the protein degradation is not functioning properly, cells are transformed into cancer.
Professor Aaron Ciechanover and Professor Avram Hershko were awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry (2004)
for findings leading to therapies for cervical cancer and cystic fibrosis.
Professor Yosef Yarden
Professor Yarden discovered the function of a molecular amplifier that strengthens the chemical signals that cause cells to
become cancerous. This amplifier is an enzyme found in large quantities on cancerous cell membranes, especially in
breast, ovary and lung tumors. This finding may serve as a foundation for a new cancer treatment based on "silencing"
the molecular amplifier.
Professor Yair Reisner
A leading immunologist, Professor Reisner made an important contribution in the field of bone marrow transplantation.
Due to the implementation of his research, there has been an improved capacity to overcome severe side effects
of a transplant from a matched donor. In recent years, he developed experimental animal models aimed at improving
the efficiency of the restoration of stem cells in cancer patients.
Professor Yossi Shilo
The integrity of our genetic material is central for cells to stay healthy and normal. Our cells are
continuously exposed to stress, which changes our genetic material. Professor Shilo discovered a key gene
that plays a central role in the DNA repair machinery.
Professor Hadassah Degani
Professor Degani developed a non-invasive method to distinguish between cancerous tumors (of the breast) and benign
lumps. The method is based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The method should decrease the need for invasive biopsy
examinations while helping doctors better understand how well a drug treatment is working.
Professor Israel Vlodavsky
Professor Vlodavsky is a leading scientist in cancer metastasis. One of the major problems with cancer is that cells of the
primary tumor spread and generate metastasis in the body. In his work, Professor Vlodavsky has discovered new reagents which
may function as active drugs in preventing the spread of tumors.
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