Our Guiding Principles
At the Prostate Cancer Foundation, our work is guided by three core principles: investing in the most promising science, empowering people and careers, and fostering collaboration within the research community. By streamlining funding processes, supporting early-career scientists, and promoting teamwork across institutions, we continue to drive innovation in prostate cancer research and treatment, advancing breakthroughs that save lives.
Invest in the Most Promising Science, Efficiently
In 1993, PCF launched a Competitive Awards program to streamline prostate cancer research funding, creating the “modern venture philanthropy” model. With short applications and 90-day approvals, we allow researchers to focus on discovery, not paperwork. By funding high-risk, high-reward projects, PCF has helped drive nearly every major breakthrough in prostate cancer, including 14 FDA-approved therapies.
Invest in People and Careers
PCF’s funding model has made prostate cancer research more attractive to early-career scientists, ensuring a steady flow of fresh ideas. Our Young Investigator program provides not only financial support but also leadership opportunities and mentorship, helping launch the careers of many who are now leaders in the field.
Invest in the Prostate Cancer Research Community
PCF emphasizes collaboration, requiring funded researchers to report progress and share discoveries. At our Annual Scientific Retreat, both emerging and established scientists connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate with industry leaders to drive new diagnostics and treatments. Our Team Science awards foster diverse, synergistic teams, while the PCF Global Knowledge Exchange allows our research community to continuously share breakthroughs and address key challenges together.
Empowering a Research Community
Collaboration
PCF invested over $45 million in a consortium of 13 leading cancer centers to accelerate research and deliver results to patients. The Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium ensures these centers maintain the infrastructure needed to conduct impactful prostate cancer clinical trials.
Team Work
PCF shifted to team-based funding, uniting diverse scientists to tackle prostate cancer challenges. Initially focused on individual awards, PCF now promotes collaborative research to maximize the impact of its funding and foster synergy among researchers.
Integrating Academic & Industry Science
PCF transformed prostate cancer research by bridging academia and industry. Once limited, nearly all major pharmaceutical and biotech companies now collaborate, driving the development of new drugs from academic research to industry advancement.
Our Path Forward
As we look ahead, much work remains with thousands of men still dying from prostate cancer each year in the U.S. and globally. PCF is committed to reducing death and suffering by building on past successes and accelerating the discovery of new therapies.
