Research

Considering that prostate disease has a debilitating impact on the quality of a man’s life, research has never been as critical to improve symptoms, alleviate pain and suffering and prolong life.

Yehia DaakaThe University of Florida Prostate Disease Center is committed to excellence in research. Our research program is an award-winning program in both clinical science and basic science research. We embrace a multi-disciplinary basic, applied and clinical research approach that transcends traditional academic boundaries and brings together distinguished faculty with complementary expertise from various University of Florida campuses, departments, centers, and institutes. This alliance of researchers and clinicians is charged with translating the knowledge gained from basic science discoveries into clinical applications for treatment, as well as for prediction of disease progression and treatment response. Our approach is rooted in the basic principle that a research continuum from bench-side to bed-side is key to the finding of efficient treatment modalities and diagnostic methodologies that will benefit our urologic patients. Our research facilities are located in the University of Florida’s newest building on campus, the Cancer and Genetics Research Building.

The University of Florida Prostate Disease Center was established to drive change that will significantly impact the lives of those affected by prostate diseases. Success in our campaign will be defined by many ways, but of utmost importance is a reduced mortality rate for those diagnosed with the disease. Progress towards that goal will be firmly linked to cutting-edge research that translates directly to improved prevention, diagnosis and treatments. The portfolio of the University of Florida Prostate Disease Center basic science consists of three interconnected and collaborative research domains, all focused on prostate diseases. These include the a) Identification and characterization of molecular pathways within the tumor microenvironment (Molecular Biology and Cell Signaling), b) Investigation of the immune system in tumor initiation and progression (Tumor Immunology), and c) Development of dendritic cell and mRNA-based vaccines (Immunotherapy). Program members working in each research domain are highly interactive and work in research teams rather than in isolation. This comprehensive research program provides a stimulating intellectual environment conducive to fostering both training and collaborations.