July 2023
In the News
Ben-Gurion University researchers develop bio-sensing technology to predict cancer treatment response

A team of researchers led by ICRF Acceleration Grant recipient, Angel Porgador, PhD, has developed new bio-technology that will predict how a patient will respond to a particular type of immunotherapy.   

Discovery On How Skin Cancer Spreads Raises Hopes of Vaccine

A team of researchers led by ICRF Project Grant recipient, Prof. Shoshana Greenberger, with Prof. Carmit Levy have discovered how metastasized melanoma spreads to other parts of the body, bringing hope for a melanoma vaccine. 


‘Embryo Models’ Challenge Legal, Ethical and Biological Concepts

Prof. Jacob Hanna, ICRF Research Professorship Grant Recipient, is featured in this article about the considerations, in multiple fields, of growing embryos from stem cells. 

Circle of Inspiration: Champion of Hope — Dr. Daniel G. Miller
“You go to young people for ideas, that’s the future.” 
- Dr. Daniel G. Miller

The Israel Cancer Research Fund was formally founded in 1975 with a mission to support the best and brightest scientists conducting groundbreaking cancer research at all of Israel’s leading institutions. Since then, ICRF has funded nearly 50 years of discovery, and Dr. Miller’s vision has enabled Israel to become a world leader in cancer research. 

Sarcomas are a rare group of cancers affecting the bones or soft tissues of the body. Soft-tissue sarcomas form in cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, tendons, nerves, and around joints. Osteosarcomas develop in bone, liposarcomas form in fat, rhabdomyosarcomas form in muscle, and Ewing sarcomas form in bone and soft tissue. Bone and joint cancer is most frequently diagnosed among teenagers, while soft-tissue cancers typically affect those 55 years or older. 

July 19 is Glioblastoma Awareness Day, bringing attention to the most common, complex, treatment-resistant, and deadly type of brain cancer. ICRF researcher, Professor Eran Meshorer, is studying a specific mutation in pediatric patients with glioblastoma. He and his lab hope to discover specific mechanisms by which this mutation may drive malignancy, providing insights into how glioblastoma develops in children and potentially identifying pathways for therapeutic intervention. 
Eran Meshorer, PhD
Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) is a rare and devastating brain cancer in children, with a survival rate of only 12 to 18 months. Prof. Meshorer and his team are working with a protein found to contain a specific mutation in over 70% of DMG patients, with the potential to develop new and effective therapies. 

The unexpected is the most exciting thing about science. You never really know what to expect, and every discovery leads to a new direction.

Prof. Eran Meshorer
Science At A Glance
What are Osteoblasts?
Osteoblasts are specialized cells responsible for synthesizing and secreting the components necessary for bone formation, including collagen and other proteins. Osteoblasts play a crucial role in the development, growth, and repair of bones. However, when certain genetic mutations or abnormalities occur within osteoblasts, they can transform into cancerous cells. This transformation leads to the development of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of malignant osteoblasts.
Save the Date: Tower of Hope Galas!
The theme of this year's ICRF annual Tower of Hope Galas is: Coming Together for a Cure. Join us in New York, Connecticut, or Chicago to celebrate the hope that cancer research brings us and to support the science that helps to end the suffering caused by cancer.

Connecticut
Sunday, October 15
Rockrimmon Country Club
Honoring: Leslie Freedman, PhD
Master of Ceremonies: Judy Gold 
Special Guest Speaker: Yoav Shaul, PhD, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, ICRF Project Grant Recipient

New York 
Thursday, October 19
The Harvard Club
Special Guest: Nobel Prize Laureate, Avram Hershko, MD, PhD, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, ICRF Research Professorship Grant Recipient

Chicago
Wednesday, October 25
The Westin Chicago North Shore
Honoring: Jennifer McGuffin and Richard Herman, PhD
Upcoming Events
July
9
Sunday

Stamford, Connecticut Parlor Meeting

Meet ICRF-funded scientist Eylon Yavin, PhD, of Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Learn more about his work developing a diagnostic tool that will allow surgeons to recognize and remove small clusters of ovarian cancer that could be left behind and cause a relapse during surgery.

July
10
Monday

Woodbridge, Connecticut Parlor Meeting

Meet ICRF-funded scientist Eylon Yavin, PhD, of Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Learn more about his work developing a diagnotic tool that will allow surgeons to recognize and remove small clusters of ovarian cancer that could be left behind and cause a relapse during surgery.  

July
26
Wednesday

Chicago Revolving Tables Networking Event

ICRF Chicago’s signature Visions young professionals networking event is back this summer! Mark your calendars -- this unique networking event is not to be missed. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Sandy Rosen, Chicago Development Director, sandy.rosen@icrfonline.org.

August
28
Monday

Chicago Drive Fore Research Golf Classic

ICRF and Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation are teeing up to raise money for research on early detection of pancreatic cancer at the inaugural Drive Fore Research Golf Classic at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, IL. The event is sold out!

September
13
Wednesday

Yoga, Canasta, Mahjong Event in New Jersey

Join fellow ICRF supporters for a fun day of canasta, mahjong, yoga and more at Montammy Country Club in Alpine, New Jersey. The event includes breakfast, lunch, on-site vendors and the opportunity to help make an impactful difference for an important cause. Canasta lessons will be available for new players. Registration coming soon!
September
28
Monday

Chicago Night of Games

Poker, Mah Jong, canasta and more... It's all fun and games! Enjoy a great night out while supporting cancer research. This year, it's not just for women, all are welcome!

For more information or to get involved, please contact Sandy Rosen at sandy.rosen@icrfonline.org.
News Roundup

The ICRF Inspiration Society
The ICRF Inspiration Society recognizes those who have made a commitment to ensuring the continued funding of groundbreaking cancer research by including ICRF in their estate plans. Join the Inspiration Society and create a lasting legacy that will help eradicate cancer.

For more information about ICRF's planned giving program, please contact Alan Herman at alan.herman@icrfonline.org or visit our website .