OTTAWA, Jan. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - In the past ten years, 93 radiation oncology clinicians and researchers from coast-to-coast have made significant advances in the treatment of prostate cancer, thanks to the critical partnership between the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO-ACRO) and Abbott, the global health care company, which annually provides $200,000 in funding for the ACURA Uro-Oncologic Radiation Awards.An independent CARO-ACRO selection committee evaluates 30 to 40 research proposals submitted, and chooses up to ten recipients each year. The complete list of studies funded from 2001 through 2011 is found at: http://www.caroacro.ca/Committees_and_Programs/Programs/ACURA.html

According to Dr. Andrea Bezjak, CARO-ACRO President, "The ACURA Award program provides a highly valued source of seed funding for basic science, translational, clinical and population-based prostate cancer research. Canadians with prostate cancer, who are being treated with radiation, experience the direct benefits from advances in the understanding and improved management of the disease. At CARO-ACRO, our goal is to continually improve our patient outcomes and quality of life, as well as our health services.

Dr. Fabio Cury, Radiation Oncologist, Chair, 2012 ACURA Advisory Group, explains the importance of the awards, "The ACURA awards help Canadian radiation oncologists to significantly improve care for prostate cancer patients, by translating novel ideas into clinical practice through excellent research. Past recipients were able to start or establish new research lines, testing unique radiation treatment ideas including: biomarkers, imaging, brachytherapy, radiosurgery, radiosensitizers, among many others, resulting in continual treatment improvements."

"We are very pleased to be a long standing supporter of research in oncology. Over the last decade of our involvement with this program we have seen many amazing projects come to light.  Our goal is to encourage our talented researchers to continue to find ways of improving the lives of those with cancer," adds Felipe Pastrana, General Manager, Abbott Canada.

About the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology

Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO) - Association canadienne de radio-oncologie (ACRO) is a not-for-profit association with the mandate to represent and support its membership nationally and internationally, through the promotion of high standards of patient care in the practice of radiation oncology, support of excellence in professional standards, and promotion of radiation oncology research and education.

CARO is a partner with other disciplines in seeking to improve outcomes for cancer patients, and provides a consultative authority to oncology related agencies, academic institutions, and to the public in all matters pertaining to radiotherapy and oncology in Canada. For further information: www.caro-acro.ca

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott has been operating in Canada since 1931 and its Canadian operations are headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Abbott Canada employs more than 2,000 people. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's web sites at www.abbott.ca and www.abbott.com.

For further information:

CARO-ACRO Contact: J. McLarty, jamcla@telus.net or (604) 740-5839
Abbott Canada Contact: E. Murphy, eileen.murphy@abbott.com or (514) 832-7788