About Us
Founded in 1944, the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute in Israel, and advances its mission of science for the benefit of humanity.
Sep 12, 2019...
Prof. Yardena Samuels
REHOVOT, ISRAEL—September 12, 2019—Diversity – at least among cancer cells – is not a good thing. Now, research from the Weizmann Institute of Science shows that in melanoma, tumors with cells that have differentiated into more diverse subtypes are less likely to be affected by the immune system, thus reducing the chance that immunotherapy will be effective. The findings of this research, which were published in Cell, may provide better tools for designing personalized protocols for cancer patients, as well as pointing toward new avenues of research into anti-cancer vaccines.
https://weizmann-usa.org/news-media/news-releases/a-new-route-to-blocking-children-s-bone-cancer/
Oct 02, 2019...
The lungs of a mouse with untreated Ewing sarcoma (left) contain numerous tumor cells (shown by luminescent colors) that have spread from the bone; the lungs of a mouse treated with a drug reducing the synthesis of glucocorticoids are almost free from the sarcoma (right)
REHOVOT, ISRAEL—October 2, 2019—Ewing sarcoma is a bone cancer that appears mainly in teenagers. Caused by a single defective gene, once it spreads to distant organs it is hard to treat. Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have now discovered molecular interactions underlying Ewing sarcomas and proposed a potential treatment that has shown promise in a study in mice. These findings were published in Cell Reports.
Apr 29, 2019...
TOOKAD® optic fibers illuminate only the cancerous regions, leaving healthy tissue alone
REHOVOT, ISRAEL—April 29, 2019—Steba Biotech, a privately owned company, has, in collaboration with scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science, conducted extensive research and development on the prostate cancer treatment TOOKAD® – and now has received marketing authorization to make it available in 31 European countries. Following this regulatory approval, the first patients are currently being treated in top Israeli, German, English, and Italian medical centers.
Sep 23, 2019...
JERUSALEM, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) – Israeli and U.S. researchers found that glioblastoma brain cancer cells come in four states and can transition from one state to another, the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) in central Israel reported on Monday.
The study, published in the journal Cell, was led by researchers from WIS, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California.
Nov 21, 2019... Dr. Jonathan Coleman, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Research Center, and Prof. Avigdor Scherz, Weizmann Institute of Science, discuss ongoing clinical trials at MSKCC testing vascular targeted photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer. Developed at the Weizmann Institute, this revolutionary treatment uses light emitted by optical fibers that are inserted into the prostate (and possibly other areas), activating a drug that destroys cancer cells—with little side effects.
Jul 16, 2019... Summer is here! But more fun in the sun also increases our risk for skin cancer, including its deadliest form, melanoma. In the seventh episode of Weizmann in Focus, CEO Dave Doneson highlights a melanoma research breakthrough by Prof. Yardena Samuels, which could lead to “the ultimate personalized cancer therapy.”
May 15, 2019... May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month – the perfect time, as we head into summer, to think about protecting our skin. The American Cancer Society predicts that in 2019, almost 100,000 American adults will be diagnosed with invasive melanoma, and while that number may not be massive, it’s important, as melanoma is the deadliest of the skin cancers. Treatments are often ineffective; thus, early intervention is crucial.
Apr 16, 2019... The Weizmann Institute brings together scientists from a variety of disciplines to tackle cancer head-on. In the fourth episode of Weizmann in Focus, CEO Dave Doneson highlights a recent headline-making breakthrough from the labs of Profs. Ido Amit and Amos Tanay. Working with hospitals across Israel, the scientists identified a very small number of malignant cells in what is considered a pre-malignant stage of multiple myeloma—the second-most common type of blood cancer. Their discovery holds the promise of earlier, more precise treatment.
Oct 16, 2019...
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and people across the world are helping raise awareness and support through runs, walks, events – and, at the Weizmann Institute of Science, through research.
Before breakthroughs in breast cancer research ever appear in the news or on the market, there are cadres of scientists working tirelessly to discover new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat this all-too-common disease. Here are some of our advances over just the past year:
Mar 24, 2019...
Trial-In CEO Nir Erez. (photo credit: Courtesy)
Working in the field of oncology was a case of love at first sight for Weizmann Institute of Science graduate Nir Erez.
In 2003, after completing his Master’s degree, Erez joined pharma giant Roche Pharmaceuticals (Israel), which specializes in the development and marketing of cancer drugs. There, he worked alongside leading oncologists, learned of breakthrough cancer treatments and the development and types of the disease.
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