TAU Big Ideas in Cancer Research

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the world. Tel Aviv University is a forerunner in discovering the causes of cancer and in developing technologies to slow and prevent its inception and spread.

Here is a sampling of big ideas in cancer research:

Cell uniqueness also weakness: A study by Dr. Uri Ben-David showed that an abnormal number of chromosomes in cancer cells—their distinguishing characteristic—is a natural weakness that could be exploited by future drugs. Read more here.

Cutting out cancer: Prof. Dan Peer’s team proved that the CRISPR genome editing system can destroy cancer cells using genetic manipulation. The discovery may extend the lives of cancer patients and lead to a cure for the disease. Read more here.

Nano targets melanoma: Prof. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro and her team took an important step toward treating melanoma by developing a nanotechnology medication delivery system that can prevent drug resistance. Read more here.

Reducing metastatic spread: Prof. Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu and colleagues discovered an innovative way to prevent the development of metastases after surgery: Reducing body stress responses and inflammation. Read more here.

Destroying cancer with ultrasound: Dr. Tali Ilovitsh led an international team developing a non-invasive technology that targets and penetrates breast cancer cells. The system combines ultrasound and microbubbles to obliterate the cells. Read more here.

Activating the immune system: Prof. Neta Erez and her team discovered a method to activate the immune system as a way to suppress breast cancer.

Rapid diagnosis: Prof. Noam Shomron and his team developed an application that quickly detects cancer remnants in the abdominal cavity following surgery, reducing the wait time for results from weeks to minutes. The technology’s quick turnaround can save lives.

TAU launched the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research in 2020, part of the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences. The School’s 300 researchers and graduate students research cancer immunity, bioinformatics, microbiology, biotechnology and other fields to identify and understand the mechanisms that drive cancer and other diseases. Read more here.

Also established in 2020 was the Brown Core Cancer Research Facility, which will ensure that TAU cancer specialists from across the campus have access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs to accelerate their research.