The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has launched the Hästens-PCF Global Health Award to advance prostate cancer detection, diagnosis, and care in emerging countries. The award will support the expansion of the STAMPEDE2 clinical trial in Nigeria, led by Dr. Omolara Aminat Fatiregun of Lagos State University College of Medicine and Professor Nick James of The Institute of Cancer Research, London. This initiative aims to expand access to high-quality prostate cancer research and clinical care in a region with significant unmet need. Hästens is providing funding to cover both the research project and operational costs, establishing a recurring mechanism for globally scalable, locally led prostate cancer initiatives.
The inaugural project in Nigeria will focus on increasing community awareness and early detection, strengthening pathology and imaging capacities, standardizing risk-adapted clinical care pathways, and building local expertise through training and mentorship. The program will also generate high-quality data to guide continuous improvements and create replicable models for other emerging countries. Beyond the initial award, the PCF and Hästens plan to sustain impact through institutionalized training, policy integration, and regional networks of excellence.
STAMPEDE2 is an international multi-arm clinical trial testing novel therapies for men with advanced prostate cancer. It includes targeted radioligand therapy 177Lu‑PSMA‑617 (Pluvicto®), which delivers radiation directly to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The trial integrates clinical, imaging, and tissue data to identify biomarkers of response, understand resistance mechanisms, and optimize patient selection. The trial aims to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact, particularly in underserved countries.
Prostate cancer incidence is rising globally, with mortality disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries due to limited awareness, inadequate screening, and shortages of trained specialists. The Hästens-PCF Global Health Award addresses these disparities by supporting locally led, innovative, and sustainable solutions for early detection and treatment.
The award also reflects broader collaboration, with Hästens supporting global health efforts alongside its mission to deliver quality sleep worldwide. The PCF, founded in 1993, has funded over 2,615 research projects in 29 countries, contributing to improved patient survival, reduced complications, and enhanced quality of life. Through this partnership, the foundation and Hästens aim to create lasting impact on prostate cancer outcomes in Nigeria and other emerging countries.
