Achievements
Since its inception in 1975, ICRF has awarded over 1,600 grants valued at over US $36 million directly to Israeli scientists who are working in cancer research in 25 major centres and institutes around Israel. The following are just some of the accomplishments from ICRF-Funded Scientists:
- p53 gene tumor suppressor – this is one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century and has inspired cancer researchers around the world.
- The Philadelphia Chromosome – this is the first genetic link to cancer ever discovered, and has led to the development of Gleevec®, a miracle drug for the treatment of chronic myelogynous leukemia. Gleevec® is now used by over 100,000 people worldwide.
- Doxil® – this cancer drug treats ovarian, breast and AIDS-related cancers.
- RAD 51 - this identifies the likelihood of breast cancer occurring in women who carry the BRCA 2 gene.
- The Ubiquitin System – this discovery led to development of the miracle drug Velcade®, for treatment of multiple myeloma; Velcade® is now used by more than 100,000 people in worldwide.
- Israel winning the Nobel Prize – ICRF-funded Professors Avram Hershko and Aaron Ciechanover won for their discovery of the ubiquitin system. Their research resulted in the development of the drug Velcade®, named “The Top Medical Breakthrough of 2003” by the Wall Street Journal.
- Improved cancer treatment – ICRF scientists have discovered improved chemotherapies and advanced techniques in bone marrow transplantation that have improved the survival rates and eased the suffering of many people now battling cancer.