Paul Goodfellow, PhD, Awarded First GCF/Claudia Cohen Prize for Outstanding Gynecologic Cancer Researcher

SAN FRANCISCO, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) and the Claudia Cohen Research Foundation announce today that Dr. Paul Goodfellow has been selected as the first recipient of the $50,000 GCF/Claudia Cohen Prize for Outstanding Gynecologic Cancer Researcher.  The prize is being presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) 41st Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer, meeting in San Francisco March 14-17, 2010.

Dr. Goodfellow has made important contributions to the improvement of women's healthcare through his laboratory research efforts, and his role in mentoring gynecologic oncologists in basic science and in translational research. Dr. Goodfellow's research is focused largely on the genetic and epigenetic events that are associated with the initiation and progression of endometrial cancer.  Over the past 15 years he has established a strong research group at Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine and at the national level.  His long-standing efforts in elucidating both the causes and consequences of defective DNA mismatch repair in endometrial cancer have significantly advanced knowledge about the most common gynecologic cancer.

Each year over 40,000 women are diagnosed with endometrial cancer and over 7,700 die.

"It is a great honor to be recognized by the GCF and Claudia Cohen Research Foundation for my contributions to research in gynecologic oncology.  It is particularly gratifying for me to know that this award acknowledges the importance of both laboratory science and contributions to creating a culture of research excellence in gynecologic oncology.  It is fitting that the first Claudia Cohen Research Foundation prize be for work in uterine cancers.  Research funding for uterine cancer has lagged behind the funding for other gynecologic cancers.  I am hopeful this award from the GCF and Cohen Foundation will be a clear message as to the importance of investing in uterine cancer research," said Dr. Goodfellow.

The prize is funded by the Claudia Cohen Research Foundation (CCRF) in honor of Claudia Cohen who lost her battle with uterine leiomyosarcoma in 2007.  Ms. Cohen was a highly respected journalist and philanthropist.  The Claudia Cohen Research Foundation was founded by Ms. Cohen's daughter Samantha, and her sisters Caleigh and Debra Perelman to foster research aimed at reducing the burden of gynecologic cancer.

"We are very pleased that the Claudia Cohen Research Foundation can meaningfully contribute to help recognize and develop the talented researchers we need to succeed in conquering gynecologic cancer," said Dr. Eric A. Rose, advisory board member, Claudia Cohen Research Foundation.

The GCF/Claudia Cohen Prize for Outstanding Gynecologic Cancer Researcher is one of three prizes and eight ovarian cancer grants announced by GCF at the SGO Annual Meeting.  Since announcing its first grant in 1995, GCF has awarded 76 research grants, totaling over $4 M.  GCF's research program targets promising young researchers who often receive their first research funding from GCF.  GCF is grateful to the many families and individuals who give generously each year to support this important research endeavor.

"GCF is pleased to have the Claudia Cohen Research Foundation as our newest partner in supporting and recognizing both the breadth of ongoing research and the need for expanded research to advance the care of women with gynecologic cancers," said Dr. David M. Gershenson, Chairman, Gynecologic Cancer Foundation.

For more information about the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the prevention, early detection and optimal treatment of gynecologic cancers, visit GCF's Women's Cancer Network at www.wcn.org.  For more information about the Claudia Cohen Research Foundation, visit www.claudiacohenfoundation.org.

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) was founded by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) in 1991.  GCF's mission, in concert with SGO, is to support research, education and public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early diagnosis and optimal treatment.  GCF advances this mission by increasing public funding to aid in the development and implementation of programs to meet these goals.

About the Claudia Cohen Research Foundation

The Claudia Cohen Research Foundation is dedicated exclusively to support research leading to the immunological treatment, control, and prevention of gynecologic cancer with a special emphasis on gynecologic sarcoma.

Claudia Cohen Prize for Outstanding Gynecologic Cancer Research

The mission of the Claudia Cohen Prize for Outstanding Gynecologic Cancer Research is to develop leaders in cutting-edge research as it relates to gynecologic cancer with a special emphasis on but not exclusive to gynecologic sarcoma. Due to the paucity of research in the area of gynecologic sarcoma cancer, the foundation especially wants to encourage applicants with strong interest in that area. An annual prize of $50,000 will be awarded.

SOURCE Gynecologic Cancer Foundation; Claudia Cohen Research Foundation