Nano-Technology for Cancer Research Lab

At the Sheba Medical Center, technological development of an electronic microscope allows direct and instant imaging of cells and tissues in their natural state, containing plasma

This new technology allows direct, high-resolution imaging of cells and tissues for research purposes, medical treatment, and drug development, for the first time at a medical center. 

At the Sheba Medical Center, Cancer Research Center laboratories, a new diagnostic system has been installed that offers quick and exact diagnosis of cells and tissue.

The project is a result of collaboration between two companies, AVBA and  Quantomics (the company that developed the system), and the Sheba Medical Center.

For half a decade the time element in diagnosis has been a problem. Until this new technology was developed, cell and tissue samples had to be dried out prior to laboratory evaluation. Now cell and tissue samples can be evaluated immediately in their natural state, saving precious time. 

This new technology involves a capsule containing a strong nano-technological membrane, capable of withstanding the vacuum that the microscope creates, and performing in the plasma environment of the specimen, while still being thin enough to allow electrons to pass through its walls.   

This new system, installed at the Cancer Research Center at the Sheba Medical Center, will strengthen the cooperation between the Cancer Research Center researchers and the company that developed the technology.

A number of research projects that are based on this technology are ongoing at Sheba. For example: examination of epithelial changes occurring during chronic intestinal infections; and quick examination and diagnosis of brain tumors (Dr. Iris Barshak, Dr. Sylvie Pollack Sharkon and Dr. Deborah Ness from the Pathology Institute).

Another research project, involving the Pediatric Hematology and Pediatric Oncology Departments, and the Hematology Institute is aimed at the development of methods for quick diagnosis of hematological diseases.   

Prof. Gidi Rehavi, the director of the Cancer Research Center, says that: "Quick identification of the three dimensional structure of normal cells and abnormal cells could change the way many disease are diagnosed, including malignant diseases."

This new diagnostic system is one in a chain of new technologies developed for basic and conceptual cancer research that have been developed and realized at the Sheba Medical Center.  

The inauguration ceremony for the new system took place on Wednesday, March 17, 2004, in the Laboratory Division, Lecture Hall, adjacent to the Hematology Laboratory.