OUR STORY
dedicated renowned determined
Our Mission
Founded in 1975, ICRF is a non profit organization consisting of physicians, scientists and volunteers who are dedicated to supporting innovative cancer research in Israel and locally in Montreal.
Since its inception, ICRF has raised more than $68 million and has funded over 2400 cancer research projects. A scientific advisory board consisting of internationally renowned cancer specialists stringently review grant applications – only those applicants deemed most worthy are selected.
ICRF has offices in Montreal, Toronto, Connecticut, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Israel. The Montreal chapter represents an integral part of the ICRF family and to date the per capita funding raised by this group has been greater than any other chapter. During the past few years we have made significant strides in the search for a cure and continue to be determined to achieve.
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Ever so often in the history of human endeavour, there comes a breakthrough that takes humankind across a frontier into a new era. ”
What We've Achieved
p53: A Key Tumor Suppressor that Prevents Tumor Growth – this is one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century and has inspired cancer researchers around the world. Many cancer researchers now consider the p53 gene to be a possible key to the cure for cancer.
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®: A Drug Used in the Treatment of Breast, Ovarian and AIDS-related Cancers. Doxil directs drugs to the diseased tissues only, not to the rest of the patient’s body and releases them slowly. This greatly reduces the side effects normally associated with chemotherapy. The impact of Doxil on the efficacy and safety of treatment of advanced ovarian and breast cancer is already evident in the clinical practice.
RAD 51: A Key Genetic Factor for Higher Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk – this identifies the likelihood of breast cancer occurring in women who carry the BRCA 2 gene.
Velcade: A Drug for Treating Cancer of the Bone Marrow; Result of Discovery of the Ubiquitin System that Leads to 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®, positioned at the top of Wall Street Journal’s list of the ten “biggest medical Breakthroughs in 2003.” Velcade®, is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma, which is now used by more than 100,000 people in worldwide.