Nearly half the life science research at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel is focussed on cancer.
There are over 50 research groups dedicated to unravelling the cancer mysteries and finding ways to diagnose, treat and prevent a disease that will, directly or indirectly, touch us all at some point in our lives. Weizmann scientists first discovered that cancer can develop in stages and revealed detailed information about specific cancers such as lung, breast and prostate. Weizmann’s key cancer research objective is to turn research into tools to fight this prolific disease.
Weizmann facts
First to clone p53 – a cancer gene linked to over 50% of cancers
First to transplant bone barrow between incompatible people
Photodynamic, chlorophyll-based cancer treatments now approved in Mexico, India, Israel, and the EU for prostate cancer.
40% of Weizmann’s Life Science research is cancer related
Selected Achievements
Seeking breakthroughs to revolutionise cancer research and treatment world-wide
Weizmann scientists are studying the molecular basis of cancer metastasis – which is devastating and little understood – to find ways to halt its process and stop cancer in its tracks.
Seeking ways to use antibodies to assist current therapies to beat cancer
Erbitux® – an antibody-based therapy that works in conjunction with regular chemotherapy was invented by Weizmann scientists and is used to treat colorectal and head and neck cancer. Distributed by Merck Serono Australia Pty it was approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in May 2013.
Seeking to use natural materials like garlic which can destroy cancer
Garlic is a natural chemical that Weizmann researchers have used to destroy malignant tumours and tissue, while leaving healthy tissue untouched. This technique is powerful and has the potential to prevent cancer metastasis.
Latest News
A Select Group: Study May Bring Improved Therapy to Preselected Lung Cancer Patients
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a biomarker that may one day enable a subgroup of lung cancer patients to benefit from relapse-free treatment. Non-smokers who develop…
Immunotherapy Drugs Step on the Gas
Sometimes anticancer antibodies press on the gas and the brakes at the same time. New research from the Weizmann Institute of Research in Israel might help them accelerate better. When…
Human Tumours Are Prized Real Estate for Fungi, Study Finds
Cancer tumours contain multiple species of fungi that differ per tumour type, according to a large study led by researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and the University of…
Putting Liquid Biopsies on Solid Ground: Cancer Diagnosis from a Millilitre of Blood
Blood tests – simple, noninvasive and economically feasible – promise to become the next major milestone in cancer diagnosis. However, most of these tests, dubbed liquid biopsies, are currently not…
Other achievements
Advancing Technology
Weizmann’s research into advanced technology is immense and acts as a time line for technology’s evolution.
Exploring the Physical World
Although over the centuries we have learned much about our physical world, from the earth below to the stars above, there are still many mysteries to uncover.
Improving Health and Medicine
Pioneers in research that has lead to better health and medicine world-wide, Weizmann has a long list of achievements.
Protecting our Planet
Providing solutions to our planet’s environmental challenges is part of Weizmann’s business.
Enriching Education
Science education is a core endeavour of the Weizmann Institute of Science.