Gleevec®

The first drug to directly target cancer cells was developed based on the research of ICRF grantee Dr. Eli Canaani of the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Gleevec® was the first drug on the market to directly target the cancer-causing cells in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) while leaving healthy cells alone. Gleevec changed the course of this once fatal disease, turning it into a manageable condition. Time magazine put the drug on its cover and dubbed it a “bullet” against this devastating form of cancer.

• Video: Cancer-survivor Sam Fields talks about the difference Gleevec made in his life.
• Article: Miracle drug with Israeli roots saves Jewish hockey player hit with cancer

Doxil®

The first drug encapsulated in a liposome (or microscopic fat bubble) for direct delivery to a tumor site was developed by ICRF grantee Dr. Alberto Gabizon of Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

Doxil® has a prolonged duration of circulation compared to other liposomes and dramatically decreased toxicities compared to native drugs. Doxil was the first liposomal cytotoxic agent approved to treat a solid tumor and currently has a role in the treatment of ovarian cancer, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma and several other forms of cancer.

The p53 Gene

Originally thought to cause cancer, after additional research it was discovered that the p53 gene, in an unmutated form, was actually a tumor suppressor. Its role in the majority of human cancers was further clarified by ICRF grantees Drs. Moshe Oren and Varda Rotter of the Weizmann Institute of Science.

This gene is often referred to as the “guardian of the genome” due to its role in regulating DNA repair and cell division. It suppresses tumors by either repairing damaged DNA or triggering the death of cells where the DNA is too damaged to be repaired.

DNA Methylation

This is a molecular process that turns genes on and off and acts as guides for reproducing cells by telling the cells which parts of the DNA should be used and which should not. Pioneering work in this area was conducted by ICRF Research Professorship grantee and Israel Prize winner, Dr. Howard Cedar of the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School.

Video: ICRF Lunch & Learn, Dec 2020 with Dr. Howard Cedar

Video: Interview with Dr. Cedar and Yuval Dor, PhD

The RAD51 Gene

The discovery that a minor mutation in this gene increases the risk of breast cancer in women with the BRCA2 gene mutation was made by ICRF grantee Dr. Ephrat Levy-Lahad of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

Novel Bone Marrow Transplant Technique

This technique, developed by ICRF grantee Dr. Yair Reisner of the Weizmann Institute of Science, greatly expanded the donor pool for leukemia treatment.