Collaboration and Innovation in Prostate Cancer Research awarded with $5 Million in Movember Team Grants

TORONTO, June 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Prostate Cancer Canada (PCC) is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Movember Team Grants. The program promotes collaboration between not only researchers but also institutions, providing a united approach to prostate cancer research. The recipient group will receive $5 million in funding.

The 2013 Movember Team Grant has been awarded to Dr. Ralph Buttyan of the Vancouver Prostate Centre (Principal Investigator), who leads a team of 22 Co-Investigators. The title of their research is Tumour Cell Plasticity in Treatment-Resistant Prostate Cancer and their study will focus on targeting aggressive and lethal cancer.

"The successful grant recipients epitomize the collaborative spirit of the Movember Team Grants award. Truly a coast-to-coast group, team members include investigators from Vancouver to St. John's," says Rocco Rossi, President and CEO at PCC. "These Canadian researchers are recognized as international leaders in the field of prostate cancer research - we're proud to fund such an accomplished group."

Prostate Cancer Canada firmly believes that by having experts from different disciplines working together, we will continue to make advancements in all facets of the cancer spectrum such as treatment, diagnosis and survivorship. This team approach allows researchers to tackle issues from all angles and propose innovative solutions while also providing a training environment for investigators starting their research career.

"It's collaboration that helped Mo Bros and Mo Sistas raise over $42 million in 2012 and it's only by working together that we truly will have an everlasting impact on the face of men's health," commented Pete Bombaci, National Director, Movember Canada. "Knowing that the teamwork of the Mo community is helping to facilitate that of the research community is truly inspiring and we look forward to working together towards men's health outcomes for Canada and the world."

The Movember Team Grants Program is the largest open research competition in PCC's history. Representing collaboration, one of PCC's key program pillars, the initiative is one of the new research programs launched under PCC's Research Strategic Plan.

Watch this video to learn more about the Movember Team Grants Program.

Thank You to Movember
PCC would like to recognize the Movember Foundation as the sole funder of this program in 2013. For information about prostate cancer research, visit prostatecancer.ca

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 and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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 men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer and men's mental health. Funds raised are directed to programs run by the Movember Foundation and its local men's health partners in countries around the world. Since its inception in 2003, over 2 million participants have raised over $439 M for its causes globally. Currently Movember is officially taking place in 21 countries. For more information please visit movember.com or @MovemberCA. Movember is a registered charity in Canada - BN 848215604 RR0001.

SOURCE: Prostate Cancer Canada

For interview inquiries with PCC, Movember or award recipients, please contact:

Rebecca von Goetz
Prostate Cancer Canada
416-441-2131 ext. 258
[email protected]

Matt Matheson
Movember Canada
416-564-3781
[email protected]

Nick Williams
Argyle Communications
416-968-7311 ext. 228
[email protected]