Zelig Eshhar, Who Engineered Immune Cells to Fight Cancer, Dies at 84

Zelig Eshhar, a pioneering Israeli scientist, passed away at the age of 84. Eshhar was renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of immunotherapy, where he engineered immune cells to combat cancer. Eshhar's most significant contribution was the development of a hybrid T-cell, known as CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell), which was genetically modified to target and destroy cancer cells. This conceptual leap in immunotherapy paved the way for new and more effective cancer treatments. Eshhar's work demonstrated the potential of using the body's own immune system to fight cancer, rather than relying solely on traditional methods like chemotherapy and radiation. His research laid the foundation for the development of several FDA-approved CAR-T cell therapies, which have shown promising results in treating various types of cancer. Eshhar's pioneering work has had a lasting impact on the field of cancer research, and his contributions have been widely recognized and honored throughout his distinguished career.