THE BRAIN CANCER
MOLECULAR MEDICINE LABORATORY (BCMML)
About
Activities
Leadership
Publications
About
While recent decades saw great strides in the treatment of cancer, brain malignancies remain a major challenge. This is especially true when it comes to medulloblastoma, the most common type of malignant brain tumor in children, and glioblastoma, the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults. With new therapies urgently needed, Sheba’s Brain Cancer Molecular Medicine Laboratory was established by Dr. Ruty Shai to accelerate translational research using groundbreaking molecular techniques that help discover genomic changes associated with brain cancer and identify both cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Breaking free from the constraints of conventional treatments, we forge a path towards more effective, personalized therapies capable of improving patient survival and quality of life.
Dr. Ruty Shai
BCMML Director
BCMML Activities
Cancer Biomarker Identification & Molecular Diagnostic Tool Development
Using large-scale genomic approaches and advanced technologies, the BCMML analyzes cancer genomes, searching for molecular markers (DNA, RNA, or protein abnormalities) that are part of brain cancer development. The molecular markers found are then studied in-depth to determine their impact: whether promoting tumor growth, increasing cancer’s ability to invade normal tissues, or suppressing the immune system. The results of this research are used to conduct real-time and liquid biopsies, as well as other diagnostic methods designed to facilitate early cancer and recurrence detection, along with accurate classification, which are critical for successful treatment.
Advanced Treatment Development
Leveraging a deep understanding of cancer’s genome and mechanism, the BCMML helps develop innovative brain cancer treatments based on molecular targeting of genes that slow or stop tumor growth and metastasis. By monitoring changes in biomarker expression during treatment, we allow clinicians to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and make timely adjustments, helping improve patient outcomes.
Brain Drug Delivery Facilitation
One of the main reasons current brain cancer treatments fall short is the difficulties associated with their administration and delivery to the brain. At the BCMML, we use nanomedicine to overcome this challenge, developing an efficient system for controlled delivery of drugs for brain cancer treatment. This is accomplished by oral drug delivery methods, which minimize damage to healthy tissues and enhance therapeutic effectiveness, as well as nanocapsules that serve as a platform to combine different therapeutic agents within a single delivery system.
Collaborations
Our notable partners include:
International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC), Diagnostics Scientific Committee
Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN)
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Supporting the Brain Cancer Molecular Medicine Laboratory
Imagine a world where we can halt the spread of brain tumors, preventing the disease from reaching vital parts of patients’ brains, many of which are young children.
That is our vision at Sheba’s Brain Cancer Molecular Medicine Laboratory, but it will not become a reality without your support. With commercial companies preferring to invest R&D resources in malignancies that have a larger market potential, the work accomplished by nonprofit organizations such as Sheba is critical.
By donating to the BCMML, You will help us conduct more extensive clinical trials, gather robust data, and accelerate the development of groundbreaking treatments. Together, we can offer hope to families who are navigating the unimaginable challenges posed by brain cancer and offer patients a brighter future.
The Brain Cancer Molecular Medicine Laboratory Team
Dr. Ruty Shai
BCMML Director
A globally recognized brain cancer researcher, Dr. Ruty Shai completed her Ph.D. studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before leaving for the U.S., where she underwent doctoral and postdoctoral training at the University of Southern California (USC) and UCLA. After four years as an Assistant Professor at USC, Dr. Shai moved back to Israel to lead the Brain Cancer Molecular Medicine Laboratory at Sheba Medical Center.
Under Dr. Shai’s leadership, the BCMML breaks ground in brain cancer research and treatment by integrating cutting-edge technologies and clinical expertise.
Current and past students mentored by Dr. Shai:
Dikla Rogachevsky
PhD student
Shany Freedman
PhD student
Hadar Cohen
M.Sc student
Nicole Nabatkhorian
Arrow Program student
Aner Dafni
M.Sc student
Tatyana Pismenyuk
M.Sc student
Maria Jiryes
M.Sc student
Guy Dumanis
Arrow Program student
Asaf Freed
Arrow student
Research & Publications
Research is a central part of Brain Cancer Medicine Molecular Laboratory activities and serves as a robust foundation for all of our efforts. Following are BCMLL scientific publications.
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