What is the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Director’s Discovery Fund?
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Director’s Discovery Fund was established in 2018 to stimulate innovative research across all types of cancer and science, focusing on areas of strategic importance.
How does the Director’s Discovery Fund work?
Over the last few years, gifts to the Director’s Discovery Fund have helped support Pilot Awards, which provide up to $50,000 for one or two years for highly innovative, cancer-relevant research. Pilot Awards are disbursed through competitive internal programs, including the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Developmental Pilot Program. The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Developmental Pilot Program is intended to support the development of all types of cancer research led by UPMC Hillman members and to stimulate new applications for extramural funding. The review consists of a two-tiered system like that of the National Institutes of Health.
Three of the 11 pilot projects awarded in 2024 focus on prostate cancer.
Medicinal Chemistry Optimization of Androgen Receptor Allosteric Modulators to Improve Prostate Cancer Therapy
Peter Wipf, PhD, and Paul Johnston, PhD
Drs. Wipf and Johnston discovered three compound series that disrupt androgen receptor (AR) interactions, reducing prostate cancer biomarkers and targeting novel binding sites. They aim to develop new AR allosteric modulators through medicinal chemistry to improve treatment for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Regulation of Androgen Receptor Nuclear Degradation in Prostate Cancer Cells
Zhou Wang, PhD
This project investigates the mechanisms driving androgen-independent nuclear localization of the androgen receptor (AR) in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a key factor in drug resistance. Understanding these mechanisms could enable new therapeutic strategies to target nuclear AR for CRPC treatment and prevention.
Interferon Lambda 4 Expression and Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer Among HHV-8 Seropositive Men of African Descent
Frank Jenkins, PhD
Dr. Jenkins and colleagues are investigating how a genetic change linked to herpesvirus (HHV-8) infection increases prostate cancer risk, particularly among men of African descent. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this health disparity and its connection to prostatic inflammation.
How Your Generosity Makes a Difference
With a proven 6.7x return on investment, we have full confidence that with your support, the Director’s Discovery Fund will continue to thrive and make an exponential impact on cancer research and novel treatments via the efforts of its award recipients. A gift of any size will directly influence our vision of achieving the extraordinary: life without cancer.