Center for Applied Research in Radiotherapy

The Sheba Center for Translational Research in Radiation Oncology operates in the Oncology Institute at the Sheba Medical Center.

The center aims to create a bridge between basic laboratory research and clinical research in order to promote effective treatment of cancer patients, while maintaining their quality of life. Radiotherapy is a treatment method using radiation in various cancerous tumors. The effectiveness of radiation can be improved by combining it with anti-cancer drug therapy. The combination of the two methods requires research and development. With this goal in mind, the center engages in laboratory research, applied research, and even prospective clinical research. The center is a one-of-a-kind place that fosters collaborations between medical centers, universities, and pharma companies in Israel and around the world. 

Dr. Jacob Lawrence, the centre's director, has just returned from his work at Jefferson Hospital in the USA. During his time there, he conducted both laboratory research and clinical trials focused on the combined use of innovative drugs and biological agents for treating patients with brain tumors. In Israel, researchers will study brain tumors as well as tumors in the digestive system and other organs.

Up until now, the majority of radiotherapy research has primarily taken place in the USA. However, we are determined to position ourselves as leaders in this field of research in Israel, aiming to introduce an optimal treatment approach for Israeli patients. Hence, we will collaborate with other radiation centers in Israel to establish an infrastructure for multi-center clinical studies. Additionally, we will engage in joint research with various international institutions. This distinctive center will foster collaboration with other centers.

The center operates according to the following values:

Etablishing a strong foundation for basic research in radiobiology

Conducting fundamental laboratory research is a prerequisite for undertaking applied and clinical research. Our objective is to enhance the efficiency of radiation therapy. To this end, we examine how the addition or combination of innovative drugs with radiation affects the response of cancer cells and healthy tissues to radiation therapy. We conduct laboratory research on tissue cells and small animals. To facilitate our research, we have acquired a unique radiating device, the second of its kind in Israel, specifically adapted for small animals. Our cancer research center is equipped with advanced technology, providing optimal working conditions to facilitate collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.

Establishing a unit for clinical studies in radiotherapy

As we are aware, administering chemotherapy alongside radiotherapy enhances the effectiveness of cancer treatment. However, it also contributes to the treatment's side effects. Our goal is to combine cutting-edge biological drugs with radiation, as an alternative to chemotherapy. This approach will ensure treatments remain effective while minimizing additional toxicity.  Conducting clinical trials requires extensive knowledge in both molecular biology and clinical radiotherapy. On the other hand, due to molecular heterogeneity within tumors, it is extremely important to conduct applied research for separate populations in order to determine what the optimal treatment is for each type of tumor. Simply put, the purpose of the experiments is to test treatment with radiation and biological drugs for a specific type of tumor and patient characteristics.

Creating collaborations within Sheba Medical Center and beyond

The center strives to be a leader in radiotherapy research, both at the national and international levels. To achieve this, we will collaborate with researchers and expert clinicians in Israel, as well as renowned international research bodies such as the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the American organization Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, among others.

Continuing education and training in radiotherapy

The center will provide training for all workers in radiotherapy, including doctors, physicists, therapists, nursing staff, and radiographers, with the goal of enhancing the expertise of professionals in the field. Additionally, the center will offer training for researchers in both the laboratory and clinical aspects, in order to cultivate a new generation of researchers equipped with broad knowledge. Ultimately, the center aims to become a national training hub for radiobiology.

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