Nanotechnology radiation that will optimize cancer treatment

The new technology that is being developed at the Faculty of Engineering is based on machine learning models and is customized to the needs of the patient

A cancer patient receives chemotherapy treatment. Image: depositphotos.com
A cancer patient receives chemotherapy treatment. Image: depositphotos.com

The study of Eli Varon, a PhD student at the Bar Ilan Faculty of Engineering focuses on developing technology that will significantly improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment. "This is a personalized technology implemented using irradiated nanoparticles while reducing the light dose, based on machine learning models."

Varon, conducting his research under the guidance of Prof. Orit Shafi, explains that nanotechnology radiation is a local cancer treatment method that relies mainly on an optical absorbent, which can absorb energy and convert it into heat or a destructive chemical reaction by electromagnetic radiation. "My goal is to produce personalized medical treatment with nanotechnology radiation, which will be accurate and effective יותר, and in addition to predict the outcome of treatment based on mathematical modeling. The results of my work are a starting point for a personalized predictive model of machine learning that combines radiation and nanotechnology. The model will offer laser intensities combined with the duration of irradiation and will maximize the efficiency of the treatment and the safety of the patient."

Varon is a bachelor's and master's degree graduate with honors in biotechnology, PhD student at the Faculty of Engineering and researcher at the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials at Bar-Ilan University from2016. His works were presented at four conferences, and has behind him six articles in international newspapers, some of which led to commercial patents. During his studies at Bar-Ilan, Eli won many scholarships and awards: a unique scholarship for doctoral students from the Teva company,Nanotechnology Scholarship, President's scholarship for outstanding doctoral students, Outstanding Poster at the 2021 International Conference NANO.IL and more. As part of the research work, under the guidance of Prof. Orit Shafi, he also supervises a number of undergraduate students in electrical engineering in a variety of projects and practices at the Faculty of Engineering.

Eli says about his doctoral thesis, "This is a groundbreaking field. I want to help cancer patients with the knowledge I acquired at Bar-Ilan. The combination of nanotechnology and machine learning are the future of the medical world."