ICRF Presents: Brilliant Minds was a special, interactive monthly webinar series featuring ICRF-funded scientists and other brilliant minds in cancer research, alongside patient perspectives and stories of hope.

Browse the archives to watch or share past webinar recordings below.

COLORECTAL CANCER DISCOVERIES: FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE

A look at taking research discoveries from bench to bedside during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Featuring the patient journey of Rich Klein, who has battled a rare form of colorectal cancer called gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) since 2007, and recent work of ICRF-funded scientist Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu, PhD of Tel Aviv University’s Neuroimmunology Research Unit, which has yielded a promising treatment to reduce metastatic risk after surgery in colorectal patients. Moderated by Dr. Jason Sicklick (Surgical Oncologist, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center and Co-Chair, ICRF Scientific Review Panel B) and Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

March 10, 2021

CANCER AND PREGNANCY

Featuring ICRF-funded scientist Dr. Irit Ben-Aharon, Director of Oncology at Rambam Health Care Campus, in conversation with Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council) about her research studying the toxic effects of anti-cancer treatments on fertility and blood vessels.

February 10, 2021

TARGETING CANCER WITH VACCINES AND NEW THERAPIES

A conversation on cancer, viruses and vaccines during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month featuring ICRF-funded scientist Dr. Uri Ben-David of the Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at Tel Aviv University and Dr. Mark Israel, ICRF National Executive Director Emeritus. Moderated by Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council) and Sue King (ICRF Trustee and Founding Member, ICRF Women’s Advisory Council).

January 13, 2021

MONTH OF HOPE

Our series concludes  the year with an interactive conversation featuring 15 year leukemia survivor, Andrew Faas, and ICRF-funded researcher Professor Erez Levanon, head of the genomics research lab at Bar-Ilan University. Moderated by Dr. Mark Israel (National Executive Director, ICRF) and Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

December 9, 2020

NOVEL TREATMENTS AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR PANCREATIC CANCER

A look at the urgent need for better therapeutics and early detection for pancreatic cancer ahead of World Pancreatic Cancer Day (November 19). Survivorship for most cancers has significantly improved over time, but the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is still in the single digits.

In this webinar, Kenneth Goodman (ICRF Trustee and Chairman Emeritus) shares the story of his late wife’s hard-fought battle with this deadly disease, which led him to endow an ICRF Research Career Development Award grant for pancreatic cancer in her name. Professor Oren Parnas, a recipient of this award at Hebrew University who is investigating new ways to engineer immune cells to fight pancreatic cancer, will describe how his research provides hope on both fronts. Moderated by Dr. Mark Israel (National Executive Director, ICRF) and Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

November 11, 2020

MIND-BODY CONNECTION:
HOW THE BRAIN AFFECTS CANCER IMMUNITY

This webinar dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month looks at new breakthroughs in our understanding of how the mind-body connection mediates anti-tumor immunity, and how this may lead to an entirely new approach to treating breast and other cancers in the future. Featuring insights from breast cancer survivor Johanna (Jojo) Harris on how her outlook and approach to her diagnosis played a role in her experience battling the disease. ICRF-funded researcher Professor Asya Rolls, PhD (Technion, Israel Institute of Technology), an ICRF-Cancer Research Institute Immunotherapy Promise Grantee, delves into the groundbreaking emerging science behind the mind-body connection. Her laboratory has mapped physiological connections between the brain and the immune response to breast and lung cancer, using new tools developed by her lab. These connections show how someone’s psychological well-being may contribute to the fight against disease; or may diminish tumor immunity as a result of anxiety or stress. Her team is also now investigating whether pandemic-related stress reduces the ability of cancer patients to fight COVID-19. Moderated by Dr. David Hakimian (a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist and ICRF Chicago Board Member) and Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

October 13, 2020

TOWARDS THE CURE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER

A special webinar in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month featuring Galit Kleiner, mother of childhood cancer survivor Sienna (Sisi) Kleiner, who was diagnosed with a rare cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma at age three, and ICRF-funded scientist Dr. Shai Izraeli (Schneider Children’s Medical Center and Tel Aviv University). Moderated by Dr. David Malkin (Senior Staff Oncologist and Senior Scientist, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto and Chair, ICRF Scientific Review Panel A) and Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

September 9, 2020

TREATING CANCER WITH RADIATION

Featuring Andrea Greene, a longtime supporter of ICRF and breast cancer survivor, and ICRF-funded scientist Professor Yossi Shiloh (Tel Aviv University). Moderated by Dr. Mark Israel (National Executive Director, ICRF) and Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

August 19, 2020

LIVING WITH LUNG CANCER:
A LOOK AT PROMISING CANCER THERAPIES

Featuring 15-year lung cancer survivor, patient advocate and ICRF board member Linnea Olson and ICRF-funded scientist Dr. Ravid Straussman (Weizmann Institute of Science). Moderated by ICRF President, Rob Densen (President, ICRF) and Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

June 25, 2020

With great appreciation to the Densen family for sponsorship of this webinar.

LISTEN TO YOUR GUT:
CANCER, IMMUNITY & GUT HEALTH

Featuring ICRF-funded scientist Professor Naama Geva-Zatorsky (Technion-Israel Institute of Technology) and moderated by Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

May 28, 2020

CANCER, VIRUSES AND THE HOPE OF NANOVACCINES

Featuring ICRF-funded scientist Professor Ronit Satchi-Fainaro (Tel Aviv University) and moderated by Dr. Nancy Maizels (Chair, ICRF International Scientific Council).

April 27, 2020