Dr. Martin Gleave named to the Order of Canada

VCH’s own Dr. Martin Gleave, co-founder and executive director of the Vancouver Prostate Centre at VGH, says he was thrilled to be named to the Order of Canada on December 29.

Recognized as a world leader in the field of prostate cancer research, his contributions include finding new treatments to combat therapy-resistant prostate cancer cells. He has published 500 papers with more than 37,000 citations, attracted over $100 million in research funding and patented several anti-cancer drugs.

“It was a wonderful surprise and a huge honour to receive this appointment,” says Dr. Gleave. “This recognition is a positive reflection of the quality of science and researchers that exist within our institutions in Vancouver, and it is something I am proud to be part of.”

Dr. Gleave and his team at the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) have been at the forefront of prostate cancer research and treatment in Canada. Recently, the team has incorporated genomics into their work to help personalize patient treatment, pinpoint the best option for patients, develop more effective drugs and increase life expectancy for those diagnosed with the disease.

“When you get an award like this on a national level, it makes you proud to be contributing to your country,” Dr. Gleave said. “But there is still a long ways to go. People are still dying of the disease.”

Throughout his extraordinary career, Dr. Gleave has been recognized for displaying leadership and excellence in his field. In addition to the Order of Canada, he is the recipient of the:

• Richard D. Williams MD Prostate Cancer Research Excellence Award
• Eugene Fuller Triennial Prostate Award from the American Urological Association
• Barringer Medal from the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons
• BC Biotech Innovation and Achievement Award
• BC Innovation Council Frontiers in Research Award
• Aubrey Tingle Prize from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
• NCIC William Rawls Award for contributions to cancer control in Canada

Having already contributed so much to the field, Dr. Gleave continues to be optimistic about the future of prostate cancer treatment. “This is all part of a journey where there is still much to be done,” he says. “Our research team at the Vancouver Prostate Centre has a lot of exciting opportunities coming up in the near future.”

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosis in North American men, other than skin cancer. One out of every six to seven men will develop the disease during his lifetime.

Dr. Gleave plans to travel to Ottawa at a later date to accept his award. Congratulations Dr. Gleave for your outstanding accomplishment and your dedication to advancing prostate cancer treatment.