Prof. Yosef Yarden

The majority of cancer-associated deaths are caused by metastases, rather than the respective primary tumors, but the multi-step cascade that underlays metastasis formation remains unclear. In addition, once settled in target organs, such as bone or brain, the disseminated cancer cells enter a phase of dormancy, which may last several decades. Yet another open question in oncology relates to the course of response to anti-cancer drugs, including immunotherapy. In many cases, patients initially respond well to the drugs but later they acquire resistance, often due to the emergence of new oncogenic mutations. These processes are actively addressed in our laboratory. We not only attempt resolving the underlying molecular mechanisms, but also offer strategies to block metastasis, prolong dormancy and overcome resistance to anti-cancer drugs.