Supporters and patrons of Guildford based charity the Prostate Project gathered at the University of Surrey to launch a fundraising effort described as ‘game-changing’ by charity Chairman, Martin Davies.
The initiative will see £250,000 raised to support research into the development of a vaccine designed to prevent the recurrence of cancer in men that have had their prostates removed.
Dr. Guy Simpson, Senior Research Fellow at University of Surrey explains why the new vaccine promises to be a ‘game changer’ for these men in the fight against prostate cancer.
Dr Guy Simpson presenting his research (photo credit Ingrid Weel Photography)
‘We are developing a new cancer-killing virus called HSV5-15 that will ‘switch on’ the immune system, allowing us to ‘mop up’ any cancer cells left behind after surgery. This is ground-breaking research but the early indications are promising, and we have extremely high hopes that survival rates will be significantly improved.’
A patent has been applied for the vaccine and Dr. Simpson has already proven that it works in the similar treatment of bladder cancer. This new research is required to see if the vaccine works as effectively for prostate cancer patients.
Guests invited to the launch included charity patrons including former Small Faces drummer, Kenney Jones, a long-time supporter of the Prostate Project.
‘I was fortunate to have my prostate cancer diagnosed at an early stage, and as a result I have not had to have my prostate removed, but I am fully behind this research that will potentially help to save thousands of men’s lives’.
Patron Kenney Jones with PP Chairman, Martin Davies (photo credit Ingrid Weel Photography)
The Prostate Project has raised more than £11 million since being founded by Colin Stokes in 1998, money that has been used to help build and equip the Stokes Centre for Urology at Royal Surrey Hospital.
The charity also funds research that has contributed to the development of the University of Surrey as an internationally recognised centre of excellence able to attract some of the best scientists in the world to the area. These scientists have expertise in immunotherapy and have well-proven skills in developing vaccines.
Martin Davies explains the significance of this latest fundraising effort.
‘It is difficult to overestimate the astonishing potential of the vaccine, initial estimates suggest over 1,500 UK men’s lives may potentially be saved each year, and as a charity we are proud to be associated with this remarkable team of researchers.
Events like this help us to raise awareness of our work, and we have been delighted by the immediate response to the initiative with so many very generous donations and promises of support.
Ours is a simple aim, to give men a better chance of beating prostate cancer.’
Cancer Research labs at the University of Surrey (photo credit Katherine Hammersley)
For more details about the fundraising campaign as well as information about the vaccine and its development, visit here: prostate cancer vaccine appeal
To make a donation please visit Donate Here
The Prostate Project team with Dr Guy Simpson and Dr Nicola Annels
