Philadelphia and its surrounding counties hold the unenviable distinction of having one of the highest prostate cancer mortality rates in the nation (32.1 / 100,00 versus a national average of 20.7 / 100,000). The region is also home to a population highly diversified in age, race, and ethnicity-all of which are key risk factors for prostate cancer.
As a result of these distinctions, Philadelphia is the ideal setting to study the natural history of the prostate cancer “biome,” a delicate ecosystem influence by a complex array of physical, environmental, socioeconomic, and psychosocial factors.
Researchers are just beginning to scratch the surface on the impact that these factors have on disease incidence, progression, and patient outcomes. But many mysteries remain.
“We are so excited to join Jefferson Health in one of the biggest and boldest research programs of its kind” states DeNicola Family Foundation Chairman Cosmo DeNicola.
The groundbreaking project will ultimately develop new strategies to present, diagnose and treat prostate cancer.
