Prostate cancer research centre for Queensland

Queensland University of Technology's reputation for groundbreaking prostate cancer research has been recognised with federal government funding for the establishment of a world-class research facility in Brisbane.

Treasurer Wayne Swan has announced a Commonwealth grant of $7.5 million for the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre — Queensland, to be based at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) and hosted by QUT.

The centre will initially be housed at PAH and ultimately in the $300 million Translational Research Institute, which is due to open in Brisbane in 2012.

Clinical trials will be performed at the centre, which will also work in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Canada.

QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said the centre would undoubtedly attract national and international funding, as well as strong industry support.

"This is an exciting project that will assemble a large multi-disciplinary research team, and we thank the Commonwealth government for its commitment," Prof Coaldrake said.

"We also acknowledge the state government's ongoing support of research in this field.

"The new centre will help to coordinate effective national prostate cancer research and establish a major hub for discovery-based research and trials.

"The clinical trials unit will bring together urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and endocrinologists, and will attract national and international clinical trials."

Prof Coaldrake acknowledged the work of QUT researchers Professor Colleen Nelson and Professor Judith Clements.

"Professor Nelson's global reputation for prostate cancer research was a key factor in attracting the centre to Brisbane," Prof Coaldrake said.

"That alliance has already connected nearly 200 prostate cancer scientists and clinicians across Australia and Canada and we look forward to playing an even greater role in facilitating and accelerating the development of new therapeutics for prostate cancer."

"And for the best part of 10 years, Professor Clements has led QUT's research in the field of hormone dependent cancers."

Prof Nelson, who will co-direct the centre along with Prof Clements and Professor David Nicol (PAH), said the research they would conduct wouldn't know any bounds.

"We are committed to working with many world leaders in this field, locally, nationally and internationally, to come up with global solutions," Prof Nelson said.

Work will start immediately on establishing the centre.