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Researchers at The University of Nottingham have received a £50,000 grant to develop a better understanding of how prostate cancer spreads to the bones. The grant is part of a £2million wave of Movember Foundation Project Grants and Pilot Awards made by Prostate Cancer UK.
Dr Victoria James, in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, will be leading the two year project in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Sheffield. She said: “We know that when prostate cancer cells break away from the main tumour they show a preference for spreading to bones. When this happens, it is an indication that the disease has reached an advanced stage and is therefore much more difficult to treat. We are going to use this grant to explore why prostate cancer cells are drawn to the bone, so that eventually we can find a way to stop the cancer from reaching this stage in the first place.”
Dr James’ research focusses on pathways regulating gene expression and how aberrations within these pathways contribute to cancer and other complex diseases.
The grant was awarded via a competitive process and was subject to detailed assessment from international experts and the Prostate Cancer UK Research Advisory Committee. All of the projects which are to receive funding were chosen because of their extremely high quality and relevance to men with prostate cancer.
Sarah Coghlan, UK Country Director, Movember Foundation, said: “It's through the efforts of over 2,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas in Nottinghamshire and thousands more across the country that we have been able to fund such vital research to address the key challenges in prostate cancer. With continued support we can do more so that fewer men die from prostate cancer, and those that live can enjoy happier, healthier, longer lives.”
Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Through our ongoing partnership with the Movember Foundation, we have been able to fund another bumper round of high quality research grants this year, focussed on the key issues facing prostate cancer — from identifying men at risk of developing aggressive forms to discovering new treatments for advanced disease.
“However the story doesn’t end here. We really need more help to build on the great work that is already under way if we are to accelerate the process of conquering the most common cancer in men. As part of our ongoing Men United campaign, we are calling on people across the country to make this summer count by doing something with their friends to raise funds and help beat the disease. Prostate cancer takes 10,000 lives every year. By pulling together we can stop it in its tracks.”