The Astellas European Foundation has selected Dr Celia Gomes and his team,  University of Coimbra to receive the first award in uro-oncology in 2013.

The price of US$ 150,000 will help the team from the University of Coimbra in the context of his research on the topic: "adoptive therapy based on the NK (natural killer) cells targeting the stem cells of the human bladder cancer: impact on tumour progression using a humanized orthotopic animal model”.

This new annual award is in addition to the existing annual grant from the Astellas European Foundation for urology/ urogynaecology functional. The winning project was selected from 67 entries from 18 countries.

Dr Ayad Abdulahad, director of the Astellas European Foundation and vice president of Medical Affairs and Health Economics at Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., said, "Since 2006, research in urology, oncology urology and transplantation have received grants totaling more than $3 million in order to advance our understanding of medicine and health. Of the 67 applications received this year, it was estimated that the project of Dr Gomes on the adoptive therapy based on NK cells targeting the stem cells of the human bladder cancer was the most deserving to receive this award. The panel of judges found that the application of Dr Gomes had real potential. This carefully planned proposal is ultimately to improve the outlook for patients with bladder cancer."

Speaking on behalf of his team, the recipient of the award, Dr Celia Gomes, said, "This major project is to evaluate the potential of adoptive immunotherapy based on NK cells for the purpose eradication of cancer stem cells in cases of bladder cancer and its impact on tumour progression, using a humanized animal closely resembling the clinical situation model. The recognition of the value of our proposal by the Evaluation Committee of the price of uro-oncology 2013 the Astellas Foundation is an additional incentive for all the efforts that we must provide for the tasks ahead. We plan to explore this topic and contribute with essential for effective use of adoptive immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with bladder cancer 'perspectives.”

Previous recipients of scholarships Urology Astellas European Foundation working in areas related to oncology, there are research teams from France and the United Kingdom. Researchers at the Institute Bergonié in France , led by Dr Nadine Houédé, recipient of the award in 2008, announced that they had reached their goal was to identify six new genetic targets may be used for the development of alternative strategies for treating prostate cancer. Their research, published in the December 2012 edition of Molecular Pharmacology, validated the concept that it is possible to identify new alternatives to existing treatments for prostate cancer high grade based on the specific genetic background these highly aggressive tumours.

The Astellas European Foundation is a registered charity with the goal to fund programmes and activities that contribute to the development of a society increasingly healthy. The scholarship in uro-oncology Astellas European Foundation supports basic medical programmes and related scientific programmes contributing to advances in the field of uro-oncology. The winner of this award was selected by a jury consisting of leading European independent sector uro-oncology.