The award was in recognition of the importance and quality
of his excellent scientific work, published in urological literature in the
year 2009” by the European Association of Urology (EAU) at its recent 25th
Anniversary EAU Congress. Dr Ahmad’s received the award for his research
titled “Prostate stem cell antigen DNA vaccination breaks tolerance to
self-antigen and inhibits prostate cancer growth”, published by The American
Society of Gene Therapy in Molecular Therapy.
Prostate cancer is known to have a number of molecules
(antigens) specifically associated with malignant cells (eg. PSA, PSMA). These
antigens can up-regulate the immune system to target and destroy cells
displaying these molecules. The CCRC has developed a DNA vaccination strategy
involving administration of prostate antigen DNA to muscle by electric pulses.
This strategy has been shown to eliminate or reduce prostate tumours in
preclinical models. This research offers a strategy to target any
prostate cancer cells which may have already disseminated through the body
pre-surgical intervention and has now been designated for development for human
clinical trial.
About the Awards
EAU awards mark high quality urology research in Europe and
beyond and more than twenty awards for excellence in urology research were
handed out during the 25th Anniversary EAU Congress in Barcelona marking
outstanding achievements presented at the meeting.
“What makes the EAU Congress a success is the quality
of its scientific contents,” said Professor Per-Anders Abrahamsson in his
opening speech at the congress. “The scientific content on the other hand
is a collaborative effort of all the participating specialists.”
“Every year the congress draws on the dedication and
professionalism of urologists from around the world and the fact that we are
never short of excellent nominees for EAU awards reflects the high standards
that the international urological community adheres to today.”
The awards are given to honour the best
researchers/specialists in the field each year at the annual congress
with the aim of stimulating researchers to continue their research efforts in
the future. These awards are supported by an unrestricted educational grant
from Eli Lilly and company.
About the European Surgical Association
Since 1972 the European Association of Urology has focused
its efforts to improve urological practice across Europe through educational,
scientific and professional activities.
With the goal to advance patient care, their commitment to
achieve high standards in this specialty remains at the core of their
endeavours. Over the decades the EAU has seen the growth of their community and
today represents more than 12,000 urological professionals working in and
outside Europe. The EAU is the leading European urological organisation in the
fields of science, education and publications.
Picture: Dr Sarfraz Ahmad of the Cork Cancer Research Centre
RMcD
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