One in 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

Source: Colorectal Cancer Alliance  

ICRF in the News

Scientist Spotlights

Gali Prag, PhD

Tel Aviv University

ICRF Acceleration Grant

Proteins that stimulate cell division must be tightly regulated to prevent excessive division which can lead to cancer, but it is nearly impossible to inhibit the activity of these proteins, termed “undruggable” by the pharmaceutical industry. The ubiquitin system regulates the levels or activities of many proteins in human cells. Using a novel molecular search engine, the Prag lab is studying drugs that can recruit the ubiquitin system to cause degradation of those proteins that promote development of cancer.

Ruth Scherz-Shouval, PhD

Weizmann Institute of Science 

ICRF Project Grant

For tumors to expand, metastasize, and evade immune surveillance, cancer cells must recruit normal, non-cancerous cells that provide a suitable local “neighborhood” for cancer-cell proliferation. This can cause inflammation at the site of the tumor, which may lead to aggressive disease. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, chronic inflammation of the colon may increase the risk of developing colitis-associated colon cancer. Dr. Scherz-Shouval is researching ways to block the pro-tumorigenic factors activated by colitis. 

Julia Shifman, PhD 

Hebrew University of Jerusalem 

The Omer Ashkenazi Memorial Project Grant 

Mutations in RAS proteins are found in 30% of all human cancers, and efforts to design drugs that target these proteins have been largely unsuccessful. Recently, the FDA approved a drug that targets RAS carrying one particular mutation, emphasizing the urgent need to find new therapeutics that target additional RAS mutants. To that end, Dr. Shifman’s team is working to engineer Nore1A, a human protein known to inhibit pro-cancer activity, supplying it with the ability to penetrate inside cancer cells, where mutated RAS is located. 

Yitzhak Reizel, PhD 

Technion, Israel Institute of Technology 

ICRF Research Cancer Development Award 

In the mammalian genome, the regions responsible for gene activity are subject to tight regulation. As an organism develops (organogenesis), each organ or cell type undergoes a specific program that enhances the accessibility of certain regions in the genome, which then regulate gene expression required for tissue development and maintenance. Pioneer factors enhance accessibility to these regions and trigger the developmental program of organ-specific genomic organization. By researching pioneer factor FoxA1, Dr. Reizel hopes to determine if normal organogenesis principles also regulate initiation and progression of cancer. 

Science at a Glance

What Is the APC Gene?

The APC gene (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli) is a crucial tumor suppressor gene that helps regulate cell growth and division in the colon. Mutations in this gene can disrupt normal cell control, leading to uncontrolled growth and the formation of polyps, which can increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Individuals with APC gene mutations or a family history indicating a risk of such mutations are strongly advised to undergo regular and early colonoscopy screenings. These screenings are vital for detecting and removing polyps before they evolve into cancer.

ICRF News

Deirdre Heiss Densen Named New York Development Director

Gayle Peck Named Director of Communications

Libby Weil Named

Staff Accountant

Read more

Upcoming Events

United Airlines NYC Half Marathon

Sunday, March 17

Make an impact in the fight against cancer by supporting Team ICRF in the 2024 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on Sunday, March 17! They’re close to surpassing their goal and are hoping to raise $30,000 to fight cancer. Let’s help them out!

Support Team ICRF

Runway for Research – Chicago

Thursday, April 18

Join us for the 6th annual spring event supporting women's cancer research. The Runway for Research fashion show will feature styles from Neiman Marcus, Bolt Addiction, Lillie Alexander, Reach Yoga, Something XX, Enaz, LuxLab, Bunny & Babe and more! 

Register Today

Sandy Herzfeld Memorial Golf Outing

Tuesday, June 25 at GlenArbor Golf Club, Bedford Hills NY

Tee off for a great cause on a beautiful course at ICRF's upcoming Sandy Herzfeld Memorial Golf Outing. Enjoy a day of golf, friends, food, raffles, and more. Reserve your spot or foursome and become a sponsor. 

Learn More

News Roundup

• This Ultrasound Bra Could Detect Cancer Sooner (Wired) An MIT faculty member was inspired by a family member to design an electronic bra that would be able to scan breasts more frequently in order to have more data and to catch any lumps sooner.

• FDA Approves Skin Cancer Therapy That Uses Patient's Own Cells; Here's How It Works (NBC4 Washington) Foundational science helped researchers understand how metastatic melanoma grows, driving development of a cellular therapy that teaches a patient's own immune system to help fight cancer.

Support ICRF Through Personal Fundraising

Do a mitzvah! Commemorate a birthday, anniversary, or other milestone for yourself or a loved one and make an impact in the fight against cancer by creating your own fundraising page on our website.

Make a Meaningful Impact

With a planned gift to the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF), you can make a meaningful impact on countless cancer patients and their loved ones for years to come. To learn more about including ICRF in your estate planning, please contact Alan Herman at alan.herman@icrfonline.org or call 347-218-5946.