The fight against cancer is an unending scientific endeavor, a global marathon marked by incremental breakthroughs and the relentless pursuit of better treatments. For patients, particularly the most vulnerable like children, each advance represents a glimmer of hope. It is within this landscape of urgent need that philanthropic organizations play a critical role, channeling resources directly towards innovative research that might otherwise remain unfunded.
One such entity, the FERO Foundation, recently reaffirmed its deep commitment to advancing translational oncology, a crucial bridge between fundamental lab discoveries and tangible patient care. At a recent Monday evening gala in a central district in Madrid, the foundation allocated over $400,000 to two pioneering projects. These initiatives directly tackle some of the most pressing challenges in contemporary oncology: developing precision immunotherapy and revolutionizing treatment for pediatric cancers. The event, attended by more than 250 figures from the scientific, medical, and social spheres, served as a potent reminder of the collective effort required to drive medical progress. Silvia Garriga, the foundation’s president, underscored this collaborative spirit, remarking, “This gala is possible thanks to the generosity of those who believe in research as a driving force for change. Today, more than ever, we need to join forces so that scientific talent has the opportunities it deserves.”
A significant portion of the new funding, a three-year grant of $320,000, was awarded to Dr. Jaume Mora of the Pediatric Cancer Center at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. His project, “Exploiting Cell State Vulnerabilities to Target Pediatric Cancers,” aims to dismantle the very mechanisms that allow childhood tumors to thrive. Dr. Mora’s team is focused on identifying and disrupting specific molecular weaknesses within pediatric cancer cells. The ultimate goal is to engineer therapies that are not only more effective but also significantly less toxic, sparing young patients from the debilitating side effects often associated with conventional treatments. This focus on pediatric oncology reflects a critical need; while overall cancer survival rates have improved, childhood cancers often present unique biological challenges requiring highly specialized approaches.
Complementing this focus on the youngest patients, another $85,000 grant was presented to Dr. Miguel Fernández de Sanmamed, a researcher at CIMA and Clínica Universidad de Navarra. His groundbreaking work, “NEO-nano IMPACT,” delves into an innovative intratumoral immunotherapy strategy. This project seeks to harness nanoparticles to enhance the efficacy of neoadjuvant treatments for lung cancer patients. Neoadjuvant therapy, typically administered before surgery, aims to shrink tumors and improve outcomes. Dr. Sanmamed’s approach uses precision-engineered nanoparticles to deliver immunotherapy directly into the tumor, potentially amplifying the body’s own immune response against the cancer. Dr. Sanmamed is no stranger to recognition, having recently been listed among the world’s most cited scientists.
The foundation’s influence extends beyond these specific grants. For over 24 years, the FERO Foundation, established in 2001 by the late Dr. Josep Baselga, has been a driving force in cancer research. Its model is predicated on translational research, ensuring that insights gleaned from basic scientific inquiry rapidly translate into clinical applications that benefit patients. The foundation supports hundreds of projects and research teams across Spain, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of discovery. In a testament to this enduring commitment, the gala’s proceeds are also earmarked for Project PRECISO, an initiative led by Dr. Santiago Ponce at Hospital 12 de Octubre, which annually provides precise diagnoses and access to innovative therapies for over a thousand patients.
Beyond financial support, FERO also champions the development of scientific leadership. The II Premio ADN, awarded during the evening, specifically recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to mentoring young researchers in oncology. This year’s recipient, Dr. Carlos López-Otín, a distinguished biochemist, embodies this ethos. Known for his extensive research on aging, cancer, and genetic diseases, Dr. López-Otín has also penned widely recognized books that demystify the complexities of the human genome and longevity. His recognition highlights the indispensable role of experienced mentors in shaping the next generation of scientific talent, ensuring a continuous pipeline of innovation.
The selection process for these pivotal grants is rigorous. This year, the foundation received and evaluated 57 research proposals, with a jury of more than 20 leading independent oncology researchers in Spain making the final selections. This panel, chaired by Dr. Andrés Cervantes of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, includes prominent figures such as Dr. Josep Tabernero from the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), an institution FERO itself helped establish and continues to champion as an international reference center. The jury for the Dr. Baselga scholarship even includes international expertise, with Dr. Toni Ribas from the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA contributing to the evaluation.
Rubén Ventura, the FERO Foundation’s director, reflected on the overwhelming response to their call for proposals. “The extraordinary response, with more than 50 proposals received, reflects the commitment and vitality of the cancer research ecosystem in Spain,” he stated. “At FERO, we are deeply proud to be able to promote scientific talent that will make a difference in the lives of thousands of people.” This sentiment encapsulates the foundation’s mission: to cultivate an environment where scientific curiosity can flourish, leading to tangible improvements in the lives of those touched by cancer. As the global scientific community continues its quest for cures, strategic philanthropy, coupled with dedicated research, remains an indispensable engine of progress.