IN BRIEF
Honors and Awards

Hopkins Receives SPORE Grant

Hopkins is one of only three centers in the U.S. to be awarded a coveted SPORE grant (for Special Projects of Research Excellence) by the National Cancer Institute, for research on prostate cancer. Several dozen medical institutions apply for these esteemed grants, which are given to comprehensive programs adept at translating research from the laboratory to the bedside, and resolving questions from the bedside in the laboratory. For its work -- judged in competitive review by top experts in prostate cancer research -- the team led by research director Donald S. Coffey, Ph.D., scored highest in the country.

Also, eight of our scientists have been honored with awards for promising new studies in prostate cancer by the Association for the Cure for Cancer of the Prostate (CaPCure), founded by Michael Milken shortly after his own diagnosis with the disease. They are:

John Isaacs, Ph.D., for his study, "PSA-based Prodrug Therapy for Androgen-Independent Prostatic Cancer."

William Isaacs, Ph.D., and G. Steven Bova, M.D., for "Identification of the Molecular Determinants of Lethal Disease in Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Autopsy Study."

Hyam Levitksy, M.D., for "Induction of an Immune Response to Normal Prostatic Antigens as an Immunotherapeutic Strategy or Prostate Cancer."

Joel Nelson, M.D., for "Endothelin-1: A Therapeutic Target for Metastatic Prostate Cancer."

William Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., for "Combination Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy of Metastatic Prostate Cancer."

Jonathan Simons, M.D., for a pilot study, "GM-CSF Therapy in Prostate Cancer Patients."

Patrick C. Walsh, M.D., for "Hereditary Prostate Cancer."

Donald S. Coffey, Ph.D., Director of Research, has been elected President of the major cancer research organization in the United States, the American Association of Cancer Research.

Patrick C. Walsh, M.D., David Hall McConnell Professor and Director of the Department of Urology, has been awarded the distinguished Charles F. Kettering Prize for his innovations and contributions to prostate cancer. Sponsored by the General Motors Cancer Research Foundation, this prestigious award is given to people who have made the most outstanding contributions to the treatment of cancer. For his achievements, Walsh has also been awarded the Hugh Hampton Young Award by the American Urological Association, and the Barringer Medal by the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons.