Israel Cancer Research Fund - CT Chapter

As Cancer Immunotherapy Month continues throughout June, we are proud to highlight another important discovery by ICRF-funded scientists.

Past ICRF grantee Prof. Ziv Shulman and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered that memory B cells can recognize and attack ovarian tumors, opening the door to a promising new vaccine-based approach to cancer immunotherapy.

The study, published in the journal Immunity and featured by The Times of Israel, was funded in part by the Beverley Librach Abshez Initiative for Ovarian and Female Reproductive System Cancers.

The article also includes insights from current ICRF grantee Dr. Ruth Perets, who discusses the potential implications of these findings for the future of ovarian cancer immunotherapy.

Read the article: https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-a-world-first-israeli-scientists-find-memory-b-cells-can-target-ovarian-tumors/

The ICRF Connecticut Women of Action event was a meaningful and uplifting celebration of leadership, philanthropy, and impact. We were proud to honor Julie TelRav and Tamar Links, two extraordinary women whose dedication and generosity have made a lasting difference in our community and beyond.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and helped advance ICRF’s mission of supporting life-saving cancer research in Israel.

It’s not too late to support the event and help drive the next generation of cancer breakthroughs. Donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ctwomenofaction2026/event/2026womenofactionbrunch/

June is Cancer Immunotherapy Month, and throughout the month we are proud to highlight innovative immunotherapy research and the ICRF-funded scientists driving these discoveries.

Prof. Yifat Merbl, recipient of the ICRF–Cancer Research Institute Collaborative Technology Impact Award, is a renowned leader in systems immunology and cancer biology. Her groundbreaking research has revealed previously unknown connections between cellular protein degradation and immune surveillance, opening new avenues for understanding cancer and the immune system.

Recently recognized with the inaugural Trailblazer Cancer Research Grant from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and named to Nature's 10 list for global impact, Prof. Merbl's work is helping redefine how scientists think about immune responses and cancer progression.

Read more about Prof. Merbl here: https://www.icrfonline.org/news/professor-yifat-merbl-uncovering-a-hidden-layer-of-immune-control/

Today, on National Cancer Survivors Day, we honor the millions of survivors whose lives have been changed by advances in cancer research.

Many of today’s treatments—from immunotherapy to targeted therapies and precision medicine—were made possible through decades of scientific discovery. Through the support of our generous community, ICRF-funded scientists continue advancing the breakthroughs that help patients live longer, healthier lives.

We honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and remain committed to a future where more lives are saved through cancer research.

Our June 2026 Newsletter is here! June marks Cancer Immunotherapy Month, which celebrates breakthroughs in immuno-oncology and the power of harnessing the immune system to fight cancer. At ICRF, we are proud to support innovative research advancing this important field.

Read about some of the latest related discoveries from ICRF-funded scientists here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/June-2026-Newsletter---Innovation-Inspiration-Israel-.html?soid=1101179113160&aid=FuoArPgwPo8