Israel Genetics Consortium

The breast and ovarian cancer morbidity rates in Israel are among the highest in the world, partly due to the high prevalence of BRCA 1/2 gene mutations among the Israeli population.

The Israel Genetics Consortium engaging in cancer genetics research continues to conduct the joint and multi-center study on the genetics of Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer in Israel:
Prof. Efrat Levy-Lahad of Shaare Zedek Medical Center coordinates the Consortium in collaboration with 12 hospitals: Sheba, Rambam, Rabin, Sourasky, Wolfson, Kaplan, Soroka, Shaare Zedek, Assaf Harofeh and Nahariya, Bnei Zion and Ha'Emek Medical Centers.
Additionally, the Consortium is conducting a research study under the direction of Prof. Efrat Levy-Lahad and Prof. Mary Claire-King of Washington State University, Seattle.
Over 660 female BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers in Israel and the United States were examined in this research study. Published in a highly reputed scientific journal, this study demonstrated that genetic modifiers may have a significant impact on the risk of developing a specific type of malignancy among gene mutation carriers.
About 3,800 male and female gene mutation carriers have been entered in the Israeli data base; the ICA supports the Consortium's activity, has financed the purchase of software, and provided funding for the position of a Research Nurse to coordinate the research activity.
Poriya Medical Center in Tiberias and the Rebecca Sieff Medical Center in Safed have recently joined this initiative.

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