Experts on prostate health

The following University of Victoria faculty members are available to discuss prostate health-related research for Movember:

Dr. Fraser Hof (Dept. of Chemistry) is UVic’s Canada Research Chair in Supramolecular and Medicinal Chemistry. Hof has received a Ride to Live grant from the Victoria Prostate Centre as well as a Movember Discovery Grant from Prostate Cancer Canada to investigate specific molecules that inhibit a protein called Chromobox 7 (CBX7). The goal is to block this protein, which fuels uncontrolled tissue growth in the most advanced prostate cancers, in order to create new therapies for otherwise untreatable cases of prostate cancer. He is available for morning interviews throughout November. (Office: 250-721-7193 or fhof@uvic.ca)

Note: Leanne Kopp, Executive Director of the Victoria Prostate Centre and one of Dr. Hof's key community partners, is also available for interviews. (Office: 250-388-0214 or leannekopp@theprostatecentre.org)

Dr. Rustom Bhiladvala (Dept. of Mechanical Engineering) is focused on applications of nanoscale research, including the development of sensitive instruments that respond to a few molecules of disease biomarker, with a published study on prostate cancer. He can discuss how this work—which involves cancer pathologists, chemists and engineers—could provide a better screening procedure for early detection of disease, and could also save money in health-care costs and recovery time from invasive procedures. He is available Nov. 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. (Office: 250-721-8616 or rustomb@uvic.ca)

UVic-produced video interview with Dr. Fraser Hof:

To view more Faces of UVic Research videos: www.youtube.com/user/FacesOfUVicResearch.

-- 30 --