June 6, 2023 7:15 am
The London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) has received $1 million from a local car dealership to support prostate cancer research.
Lexus of London, an enthusiastic supporter of prostate cancer research, has raised funds for prostate cancer studies and patient care through an annual golf tournament, the Lexus of London Golf Classic, for over two decades.
“The entire Lexus of London team and our dedicated Board of Directors are incredibly proud of the contributions to the Lexus of London Golf Classic,” said General Manager Chris Pinelli. “We remain steadfast in providing the necessary financial support needed to support the groundbreaking research and compassionate patient care provided by the LHSC’s dedicated healthcare professionals.”
The hospital’s foundation said the foundation will help build the LHSC’s prostate cancer biobank through the purchase of an advanced freezing system and initial funding for day-to-day operations. The freezer contains patient biosamples such as blood, urine, and tissue. In addition, a database of detailed clinical information is used to support the discovery and validation of new biomarkers, helping physicians adjust treatment plans for better outcomes.
“As recipients and designated stewards of this gift, we are honored by the generosity of Lexus of London and honored to be entrusted with this task,” said Prostate Cancer Biobank Co-Director Dr. Nicholas Power. “Our team is already building a unique and innovative patient data repository that will leverage the existing wealth of research experience in the field and hopefully provide new insights into cancer care that will impact the world stage.”
According to the LHSF, 30,000 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. About one in seven people will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, while one in 28 will die. Access to a prostate cancer biobank should help LHSC scientists provide future generations with a wealth of untapped knowledge.
“The support and generosity of community members like Lexus of London enables the advancement of science at our hospital,” said John MacFarlane, President and CEO of LHSF. “Today the door to scientific opportunity for prostate cancer research was opened here in London and I look forward to seeing what is made possible in the future.”
