Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Dr. Catalona, and his research staff are conducting detailed investigations of individuals with strong family histories of prostate cancer. There is no cost to participate in any of the following programs.

Below we have outlined some of the studies and programs that an individual can join to combat prostate cancer:

1. Genetics of Prostate Cancer and Prostate Cancer Control Study

Men with or without a family history of prostate cancer are invited to participate in this genetic study. Men can enroll from any location in the US or the world. Forms and a blood kit will be sent at no cost to participants. It is not necessary to come to Chicago to participate in this study. The purpose of the study is: a. to record the family histories of men who are diagnosed at an early age with prostate cancer or who have a family history of prostate cancer. b. to study men who do not have prostate cancer to compare them to men who have prostate cancer.

Click here for information on how to enroll.

Click here for more information on the Studies

2. PSA Follow-Up Study

The PSA Follow-Up Study is for surgical patients of Dr. Catalona from the US and around the world. Its purpose is to describe the disease course of prostate cancer, particularly the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, and to determine the effectiveness, complications, and quality of life after radical prostatectomy and different follow-up treatments in men having a radical prostatectomy. The study consists of an annual questionnaire that asks for updates on PSA scores, continence & potency issues, and cancer status regarding non-recurrence, recurrence, & additional treatment. If you are a past patient of Dr. Catalona who wants to participate in this study, please call or contact: Research Coordinator, Familial Prostate Cancer Research and Screening Clinic, Phone: 312 695-4426 or 312 695-0195, Email: catalonaresearch@northwestern.edu

Click here for information on how to enroll.

3. Free Prostate Cancer Screenings

PSA testing at no cost offers the opportunity for men to receive a free screening and allow researchers to gather data from the results to study the genetics of prostate cancer and better screening methods. Participating men need to visit Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for an annual or a six month (depending upon results) total PSA test and digital rectal examination. Participants are notified of results. Men, who want to participate in this program, please call or contact: Research Coordinator, Familial Prostate Cancer Research and Screening Clinic, Phone: 312 695-4426 or 312 695-0195 Email: catalonaresearch@northwestern.edu

For more than 25 years, research funded by the URF and directed by Dr. William Catalona has been making significant progress in the areas of early detection, treatment and cure for prostate cancer.

The information from national and international studies of families with a history of prostate cancer is the way to provide insights into the causes of prostate cancer and its possible treatments and cures.

So far, 5500 plus men have participated in Dr. Catalona's study, making this study one of the largest in the United States.

Research is vital to better understanding prostate cancer, which might lead to a means of detecting prostate cancer in its early stages as well as discovering new treatments.

Dr. Catalona's study, "The Genetics of Prostate Cancer," is providing genetic insights into the causes of prostate cancer. The researchers have discovered several new regions of the human genome statistically associated with prostate cancer.

Please see Quest articles on Recent Progress in Genetic Research.

Dr. Catalona received the Benjamin Stockwell Barringer Medal from the American Association of Genito-Urinary surgeons for his cancer research and the Gold Cystoscope Award, Hugh Hamptom Young Award, and the Eugene Fuller Medal from the American Urologic Association.

The URF welcomes contributions to support these important programs that may, someday soon, lead to eliminating the threat of prostate cancer for all men.

In large part, progress in the areas of early detection, treatment and cure for prostate cancer has been made possible through the generous contributions of caring and concerned individuals.

Please consider a generous donation to the URF.

Click here for more information on making a donation.