Dr. Martin Ellis, M.D       

 Chairman, Hematology Institute and Translational Hemato-Oncology Laboratory, Meir Medical Center

and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University

Education

Medical degree, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg South Africa, 1998

Specialization in Internal Medicine, Meir Medical Center 1989-1993

Specialization in Hematology, Harvard Medical School 1993-1995

Academic and other positions

Clinical Senior Lecturer, Department of Hematology

Secretary, Israel Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion

Research areas

Basic Research:

We focus on the role of thyroid hormones as growth factors in various cancer models, including multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and ovarian cancer. Our main finding is that in myeloma cell models thyroid hormones, via a very central integrin molecule (avb3), act as growth factors and activate the MAPK pathway.

Clinical Research:

We study the epidemiology of venous thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms together with European collaborators, and are planning a clinical trial of anticoagulant therapy in these patients. Other areas of interest include the emerging field of patient blood management with trials underway to examine effect of preoperative hemoglobin optimization on transfusion in orthopedic surgery, and we are currently leading a national study evaluating the hazards of platelet transfusion in hematologic malignancies, particularly infectious risks.

List of publications (2008-2012)

1. M.H Ellis, S Fajer. A current approach to superficial vein thrombosis. Eur J Haematol. 2013 Feb;90(2):85-8.
2. M.H. Ellis, L Baraf, A Shaish, A Har-Zahav, D Harats, O Ashur-Fabian. Alteration of lipids and the transcription of lipid-related genes in myelodysplastic syndromes via a TP53-related pathway. Exp Hematol. 2012 Jul;40(7):540-547
3. T Michaelov, D Blickstein, D Levy, S Berliner, M.H. Ellis. Removal of retrievable vena cava filters in routine practice: a multicenter study. Eur J Intern Med. 2011 Dec;22(6):e87-9.
4. U Abadi, G Butenero, T Kogan, O Ziv, H Paran, M.H. Ellis Prolonged Blood Storage Does Not Effect Survival in an Animal Model of Hemorrhagic Shock. Transfus Med Hemother. 2011;38(4):272-276.
5. K Cohen, M Ellis, S Khoury, PJ Davis, A Hercbergs, O Ashur-Fabian. Thyroid hormone is a MAPK-dependent growth factor for human myeloma cells acting via αvβ3 integrin. Mol Cancer Res. 2011 Oct;9(10):1385-94.
6.  O.J. Dolberg, M Ellis. Successful pregnancy and delivery in a woman with gray platelet syndrome. Isr Med Assoc J. 2011 Feb;13(2):117-8.
7. A Lubetsky, M Ellis. [Prevention of venous thromboembolism--what have we learned and how well are we doing?]. Harefuah. 2010 May;149(5):274-8, 337
8. S Berger-Achituv, B Budde-Schwartzman, M.H. Ellis, Shenkman Z, Erez I. Blood sampling through peripheral venous catheters is reliable for selected basic analytes in children. Pediatrics. 2010 Jul;126(1):e179-86.
9. I Hellmann, M.H. Ellis. Prevention of venous thromboembolism in medical patients: recent advances and future directions. Isr Med Assoc J. 2009 Dec;11(12):753-7.
10. M Kutchuk, Y Edelstein, M.H. Ellis.Late relapse of Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as fatal hematemesis caused by an esophago-tracheo-arterial fistula. Isr Med Assoc J. 2009 Oct;11(10):637-8.
11. G Bartfeld, M Ellis, Lubetzky A, Yahalom V, Kenet G. Storage of Blood Components Does Not Decrease Haemostatic Potential: In vitro Assessment of Fresh versus Stored Blood Components Using Thromboelastography. Transfus Med Hemother. 2010;37(6):329-335. PMID:
12. A Goldhaber, R Ness-Abramof, M.H. Ellis. Prevalence of anemia among unselected adults with diabetes mellitus and normal serum creatinine levels. Endocr Pract. 2009 Nov-Dec;15(7):714-9.
13. S Berger-Achituv, M.H. Ellis, Curtis BR, Wolach B. Transfusion-related acute lung injury following intravenous anti-D administration in an adolescent. Am J Hematol. 2008 Aug;83(8):676-8.

Grants (2008-2012)

Israel Cancer Research Foundatrion (ICRF)

Israel Chief Scientist

Clalit Research

Israel Cancer Association

Israel Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion

Israel Myeloma Foundation (AMEN)