– 32^nd Annual Scientific Retreat brought together 600+ prostate cancer researchers and leaders to spotlight breakthrough discoveries and advance cutting-edge science –

– PCF continues to be the leading funder of research for this underserved disease –

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) celebrated groundbreaking progress and innovation in the fight against prostate cancer at its 32^nd Annual PCF Scientific Retreat, held October 23-25, 2025, in Carlsbad, California. The Scientific Retreat, the world’s foremost conference on prostate cancer biology and treatment, stands out each year for the variety, novelty, and impact of topics covered and the diversity and excellence of invited scientists. This annual meeting reflects PCF’s unwavering commitment to ending death and suffering from prostate cancer, a disease that affects 1 in 8 men in his lifetime (a rate similar to breast cancer) and causes nearly 36,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone.

This year’s Scientific Retreat came at an especially critical time—prostate cancer rates and deaths are rising, including a staggering number of men newly diagnosed with advanced disease. For over 30 years, PCF has led the fight for these patients and their families, raising over $1 billion and funding breakthrough research that has produced 14 FDA-approved life-extending prostate cancer therapies. However, the current rise in cases and the ability of prostate cancer to evolve and recur makes novel precision diagnostics and new therapies essential to keep patients alive and thriving, and families whole.

To speed progress toward this goal, this year’s Scientific Retreat featured 49 cutting-edge scientific presentations, lectures, and panel discussions with experts from premiere academic institutions and industry partners. Experts highlighted key advances in treatment, patient care, and diagnostics to improve outcomes for patients and families worldwide.

“Our Annual Scientific Retreat is a powerful reminder of the remarkable progress being made in prostate cancer research,” said Gina Carithers, PCF’s president and CEO. “The data presented this year highlighted key advances in targeted immunotherapies, theranostics, artificial intelligence, and other tools to help us fight the rise in prostate cancer incidence and mortality and save, extend, and improve lives. Through our efforts, I am confident that we are moving toward a future where prostate cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately defeated.”

At the 2025 PCF Retreat, researchers presented high-impact data that have the power to significantly improve the lives of patients with prostate cancer. These include studies of radioligand therapies for patients with advanced disease, the first blood-based “liquid biopsy” of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a novel immunotherapy targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) before prostate surgery, the use of AI to enhance pathology results and improve treatment planning, and the many benefits of exercise for survivors, including the value of adding an “exercise prescription” to standard care after treatment.

The Scientific Retreat also invests in the future of prostate cancer research by targeting professional development. This year, the Young Investigator Forum convened and mentored current PCF Young Investigators, rising stars whose work is transforming prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Furthermore, the 10^th Annual Gender Equity Networking Initiative (GENI) Forum brought together women scientists and allies to advance gender equity in science and medicine and strengthen the pipeline of female scientists and clinicians who will lead tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

“Each year, our Scientific Retreat unites the brightest minds in prostate cancer science and medicine who dedicate their careers to pioneering treatments and transforming care,” said Howard R. Soule, Ph.D., PCF’s executive vice president and chief science officer. “Convening these extraordinary innovators advances our mission to keep breaking new ground and improving outcomes for patients and families worldwide.”

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993 by Mike Milken, PCF has raised more than $1 billion to fund cutting-edge research through more than 2,250 research projects at 245 leading cancer centers, with a global footprint spanning 28 countries. Since PCF’s inception, and through its efforts, patients around the world are living longer, suffering fewer complications, and enjoying better quality of life. PCF is committed to the mission of ending death and suffering from prostate cancer. Learn more at pcf.org.

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