$1.8 Million awarded to Movember Rising Stars
Supporting Innovators in Prostate Cancer Research
Toronto, ON – February 12, 2014 – Prostate Cancer Canada (PCC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2014 Movember Rising Star awards in prostate cancer research. Now in its second year, the Movember-funded Rising Star program provides funding to four outstanding scientists by supporting their careers as independent investigators in prostate cancer research.
Each Rising Star is awarded $150,000 a year towards salary support and research expenses for a three-year period. The four Rising Stars represent emerging thought leaders in prostate cancer research who are working to uncover better diagnostic and treatment options for those suffering with this disease.
2014 Movember Rising Stars in Prostate Cancer Research:
- Stanley Liu, Sunnybrook Research Institute. Dr. Liu’s research looks at discovering how microRNA can make prostate cancer cells more aggressive and resistant to radiation treatment. A current research goal is to determine whether testing for specific microRNAs in urine may predict for aggressive prostate cancer. If proven, this may allow for early identification of patients with aggressive prostate cancer and lead to appropriate treatment decisions.
- Frédéric Pouliot, Université Laval. Dr. Pouliot will develop a molecular imaging technology to predict which patients will respond to second-line hormonal treatments. The goal is to improve treatment selection and effectiveness by imaging the cancer circulating tumour cells and analyzing their response to hormonal treatment.
- Paul Boutros, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR). Each individual cancer has tens of thousands of mutations, and less than 100 likely contribute to cancer formation; the rest are just “noise”. This research will focus on identifying those cancer-causing mutations by developing new statistical models and applying them to data generated here in Canada, and in other research centers around the world.
- Mathieu Lupien, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/ University of Toronto. Dr. Lupien has developed a methodology to identify mutations that can change the function of “junk” DNA, and is now working to help design therapeutic strategies against those mutations. Globally, this work will promote personalized cancer medicine by identifying mutations in functional elements of the genome and then pairing them with the relevant therapeutic approach.
“We are extremely proud to fund prostate cancer researchers within the first five years of their careers, a vital time for their independent research endeavors to be supported and encouraged,” says Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Prostate Cancer Canada. “We are continually striving to improve the lives of men suffering from prostate cancer, and by investing and giving guidance to those who represent the future of our research community, we know we are doing the very best.”
The Movember Rising Stars awards allows research scientists in the first five years of their academic or research appointment to work under the guidance of an experienced mentor, providing intensive career development. This program is part of PCC’s broader strategic plan to fund innovation in research, collaboration across research and survivorship, and foster the next generation of prostate cancer research leaders.
"Our 2014 Rising Stars in prostate cancer research funding has been made possible thanks to the passion and hard work of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas across Canada,” says Pete Bombaci, Country Director, Movember Canada. “By funding emerging leaders in prostate cancer research, we are providing the opportunities needed to help further develop new approaches in the fight against this disease.” For more information on programs run by Prostate Cancer Canada please visit www.prostatecancer.ca.
For more information on programs funded by Movember please visit www.movember.com.
-30-
For media inquiries please contact:
Prostate Cancer Canada
Jillian Hermansen
jillian.hermansen@prostatecancer.ca
416-441-2131, Ext. 239
Movember
Jill Kenney
778 837 1122
About Prostate Cancer Canada
Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds for the development of programs related to awareness and public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer. For more information visit prostatecancer.ca or check our Twitter account at @ProstateCancerC or Facebook at Prostate Cancer Canada.
About Movember
Movember aims to forever change the face of men's health through the power of the moustache, by raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health initiatives. Funds raised are directed to programs run directly by the Movember Foundation and our men’s health partners in each country. Together, the channels work to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programs in line with our strategic goals; living with and beyond cancer, staying mentally healthy, living with and beyond mental illness and men’s health research. Since 2003, 3 million participants have raised over $446 M for the cause, with official Movember campaigns taking place in 21 countries. For more information please visit Movember.com. Movember is a registered charity in Canada - BN 848215604 RR0001.
