PCFA is delighted to release the annual Collaborative Research Update. 2012 marked the 5th anniversary of PCFA’s Research Program. From its inception in 2007, it has evolved to being recognised as a world class program that supports the very best Australian research into prostate cancer. This report celebrates the achievements we have made to date, funding more than 136 research projects over this period with the tremendous support of our research partner, The Movember Foundation.
To date the research program has delivered the following outcomes:
• Funding has resulted in a high level of innovation and increased Australian prostate cancer research profile. Novel research approaches towards a vaccine that teaches our immune system to fight cancer is successfully being conducted at the Mater Institute by Dr. Kristin Radford and will soon enter clinical trials. A novel concept developed by Associate Professor Martin Lackmann at Monash University has led to the discovery of an antibody based drug which has now entered clinical trials. These research projects are showing great potential for improved treatment options for men with prostate cancer.
• The increased profile of prostate cancer research nationally and internationally has helped to ensure that prostate cancer research has a place on the policy agenda and raises community and philanthropic awareness. Professor Mary Haines and her team at the Sax Institute are currently working towards improving evidence based care for locally advanced prostate cancer via a randomised phased trial. The results of this study will be of immediate use to ensure men with high risk prostate cancer will more quickly receive appropriate evidence based cancer care.
• The availability of seed funding has increased research capacity that might otherwise remain immature. Movember Young Investigator Luke Selth at Dame Roma Mitchell Laboratories has identified microRNAs that are novel markers of prostate cancer and is now testing whether these markers can distinguish between aggressive and insignificant prostate cancer. This will be a great step forward in improving the diagnosis and subsequent appropriate treatment of the disease.
• Undertaking prostate cancer research in Australia means results can be readily applied locally. Results obtained from Professor. Daniel Galvao’s research at the Edith Cowan University has facilitated the use of exercise as an important strategy to mitigate treatment side effects and improve the quality of life in Australian prostate cancer survivors. Daniel is currently conducting one of the largest clinical trials that focuses on the exercise benefits in prostate cancer patients undergoing long-term androgen deprivation therapy.
With the support of Movember our quest for more research and discovery continues, in July 2012 PCFA received 84 new applications for funding that span from prevention through to survivorship research.
PCFA Collaborative Research Update 2012- Online Format
PCFA Collaborative Research Update 2012- PDF Download
