Our History
1993
Mike Milken’s Journey: Founding Cap CURE
“You have cancer.” Diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, Mike Milken founded the Prostate Cancer Foundation, transforming research, collaboration, and awareness. Mike’s journey
1994
PCF Hosts First Annual Scientific Retreat in Santa Barbara
PCF hosts its first Annual Scientific Retreat, a leading global conference focused on prostate cancer biology and treatment, in Santa Barbara.
PCF Funds Pioneering Research on PSMA Imaging and Therapy
PCF funds first research on PSMA, a key imaging and therapy target for prostate cancer detection and treatment, led by Dr. William Fair and Dr. Neil Bander.
1995
PCF Hosts First National Cancer Summit in Washington
PCF hosts the first National Cancer Summit, where Mike Milken shares a 10-point plan and raises awareness on CNN’s Larry King Live.
1996
PCF and MLB Launch Annual Home Run Challenge
PCF partners with MLB to launch the annual Home Run Challenge, raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.
PCF Launches Therapy Consortium to Advance Prostate Cancer Trials
PCF establishes the Therapy Consortium, a seven-center collaboration accelerating clinical trials and paving the way for the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium.
Advancing Enzalutamide:
Groundbreaking Prostate Cancer Research Funded by PCF
PCF supports Dr. Charles Sawyers and Dr. Michael Jung in Pioneering Research on Enzalutamide, addressing hormone therapy resistance in prostate cancer.
1997
Breakthrough in Checkpoint Inhibitor Development with PCF Backing
Michael and Lori Milken support Dr. Jim Allison’s research, leading to groundbreaking checkpoint inhibitors, with key backing from PCF.
1998
The March on Washington: Uniting to Double NIH Cancer Research Funding
PCF organizes “The March on Washington,” rallying thousands for cancer research funding, leading to Congress doubling the NIH budget over five years.
Advancing Bone Health Guidelines for Men on Hormone Therapy
PCF-funded Dr. Matthew Smith’s research on hormone therapy effects led to national osteoporosis screening guidelines and advancements in bone health treatments like Xgeva®.
1999
Taste for Living Cookbook Highlights Cancer-Fighting Nutrition
Mike Milken publishes The Taste for Living Cookbook, emphasizing PCF’s focus on prevention and nutrition, followed by an international edition the next year.
PCF Supports Research Leading to Provenge® Cancer Treatment Breakthrough
PCF funds Dr. Eric Small’s UCSF research, providing crucial data that contributed to the development of the cancer treatment Provenge® by Dendreon.
2000
Dr. Francis Collins Advances Human Genome Project Completion
Dr. Francis Collins leads 2,400 researchers to complete the human genome’s first draft, revolutionizing genetics and later serving as NIH Director (2009–2021).
2003
CaP CURE Renamed as Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)
CaP CURE adopts its new name, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, also known as PCF.
2004
Docetaxel Approved for Prostate Cancer, Advanced by PCF Leaders
Docetaxel is approved for metastatic prostate cancer, with PCF Therapy Consortium leaders contributing to advancements in taxane-based chemotherapy regimens.
2007
PCF Launches Young Investigator Program for Prostate Cancer Research
PCF launches the Young Investigator Program, fostering a new generation of scientists to advance prostate cancer research on a global scale.
2010
FDA Approves Three Prostate Cancer Treatments Backed by PCF Research
The FDA approves Provenge, Jevtana, and Xgeva, three prostate cancer treatments advanced by PCF-funded researchers, addressing immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and bone health.
2011
PCF Supports Creation of NIH Translational Science Entity
PCF joins the Lake Tahoe Innovation Retreat, leading to the creation of NCATS, an NIH entity for translational science, signed into law.
FDA Approves Yervoy® Based on Jim Allison’s Research
The FDA approves Yervoy®, based on Dr. Jim Allison’s research, after trials show it significantly extends survival for advanced melanoma patients.
FDA Approves Zytiga, Transforming Treatment for Resistant Prostate Cancer
The FDA approves Zytiga, a novel anti-androgen achieving remission in 40% of Lupron-resistant patients, backed by $8 million from PCF.
2012
Celebration of Science Reaffirms Commitment to Medical Research
PCF organizes the Celebration of Science in Washington, D.C., reaffirming the nation’s commitment to advancing medical research and innovation.
Young Investigator Grants Awarded in China for Prostate Research
PCF expands its global reach by awarding its first two Young Investigator Awards in China, further advancing international prostate cancer research.
FDA Approves Xtandi, Revolutionary Treatment for Prostate Cancer
The FDA approves Xtandi, a prostate cancer treatment reducing PSA levels by 89% in Lupron-resistant patients, developed with $14.75M in PCF funding.
Dream Teams Advance Precision Oncology with Prostate Genomics Breakthrough
PCF forms Dream Teams led by Dr. Arul Chinnaiyan and Dr. Charles Sawyers, creating a groundbreaking prostate cancer genomics data bank, completed in 2015.
2013
Xofigo Approved: Breakthrough Therapy for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Xofigo, a groundbreaking alpha therapy for metastatic prostate cancer, becomes the sixth FDA-approved drug in three years, funded by PCF research.
2016
VA and PCF Partner for Precision Oncology in Veterans
The VA partners with PCF in a $65M effort establishing 22 Centers of Excellence, advancing precision oncology, and reducing disparities for African American veterans.
2017
New York Dinner Raises $11.6M for VA Research
PCF’s New York Dinner raises $11.6M for VA Centers of Excellence and research, honoring veterans and featuring the VA Secretary.
FDA Approves Pembrolizumab, Genetic-Based Therapy for Prostate Cancer
The FDA approved pembrolizumab, the first cancer therapy based on genetic traits like MMR mutations or MSI. PCF-funded research shows 3-8% of prostate cancer cases have these mutations and benefit from the treatment.
2018
FDA Approves Groundbreaking Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Detection
The groundbreaking Charles Evans Liquid Biopsy is FDA-approved, detecting cancer cells in the bloodstream and now used for over 40 cancer types.
FDA Approves Apalutamide, Enzalutamide for Non-Metastatic Prostate Cancer
The FDA approves apalutamide and enzalutamide for non-metastatic CRPC, developed through PCF-funded research and supported in phase I trials.
2020
PSMA PET Imaging Agent 68Ga-PSMA-11 Gains FDA Approval
FDA approves 68Ga-PSMA-11, a sensitive PSMA-targeted imaging agent for prostate cancer, supported by 90 PCF-funded studies since 1994.
Lynparza, Rubraca Approved for Targeted Prostate Cancer Treatment
Lynparza and Rubraca, PARP inhibitors for mCRPC with specific mutations, gain FDA approval following PCF-funded research identifying PARP as a critical target.
2022
Patient Summit Initiative Bridges Clinicians and Patients
PCF launches the Patient Summit Initiative, designed to close the gap between clinicians and patients, fostering collaboration in the fight against prostate cancer.
Pluvicto Approved Following PCF-Supported VISION Trial Leadership
The FDA approves Pluvicto® (lutetium-177 vipivotide tetraxetan) following the phase 3 VISION trial, led by PCF-funded investigators Dr. Michael J. Morris and Dr. Oliver Sartor.
PCF Acquires UroToday, Genitourinary Oncology Resource Leader
PCF acquires UroToday.com, a leading genitourinary oncology resource founded by Gina Carithers, who becomes PCF’s President in 2023.
2023
Black Men: Know Your Risk Campaign Promotes Awareness
PCF launches “Black Men: Know Your Risk,” promoting health equity and raising awareness about prostate cancer and early detection in minority communities.
Akeega and Talzenna Approved for Prostate Cancer Treatment
FDA approves Akeega and Talzenna for mCRPC, based on PCF-funded research identifying PARP as a target and pioneering clinical trials.
Faster Cures Chronicles Mike Milken’s Health Breakthrough Journey
Mike Milken’s Faster Cures highlights his journey and 50 years of medical progress, showcasing efforts to accelerate breakthroughs in health research.
2024
First Prostate Screening Guidelines for Black Men Established
PCF convenes experts to establish the first U.S. prostate cancer screening guidelines for Black men, recommending PSA screening starting at ages 40–45.