The Oncology Research Foundation (FERO) continues to make progress on its research into metastatic prostate cancer, with support from Moventia, a family-run multinational company that specialises in the mobility sector.

Through the IRONMAN Project, an international register of men with metastatic prostate cancer, the foundation compiles information on the type of tumour suffered by patients with this type of cancer, the treatment they receive and the possible side effects. This process began in Spain under a partnership set up between the Australian MOVEMBER Foundation (the precursor to this project) and the FERO Foundation, and is undertaken with financial support from the mobility multinational.

The initiative examines the differences in medical practice in 16 countries, providing researchers and hospital staff with more information to help understand the characteristics of each tumour. Its ultimate goal is to identify the most suitable treatment for each patient and thereby improve their quality of life.

The mobility company and the oncology research foundation signed a financing agreement in 2019 under which, four years later, the study is now at an advanced stage and will reveal significant information about the disease.

This progress can be measured. The challenge at a Spanish level – led by the foundation dedicated to oncology research – was to reach 500 patients at 12 hospitals nationwide. To date, a total of 407 active patients are registered with the study – 13% of all the patients involved. This figure puts Spain second on the global list of participating countries (behind the United States) and ahead of more populous countries such as England, Canada and Australia.

Since it began, the project has monitored these patients by collecting samples and data. The preliminary results, which already point to some interesting and stand-out conclusions in terms of age, race and country, will enable treatment to be improved for patients with advanced prostate cancer over the coming years.

Ruben Ventura, Managing Director of the FERO Foundation, predicts that the project will enable major progress to be made in this medical field in the near future and expressed his gratitude for the financing. “For FERO, which fosters transnational research, the IRONMAN register is a clear example of patient-focused research. IRONMAN lets us better understand the disease, identify opportunities to improve quality of life and, potentially, improve survival rates for men with advanced prostate cancer. Thanks to the involvement and financing from Moventia, we will be able to continue our progress towards that goal”, he said.

In turn, Sílvia Martí, Corporate Vice-President of Moventia, highlighted the company’s wish to continue taking part in this kind of initiatives. “Moventia is firmly committed to contributing to social and human development wherever we do business. Promoting research projects, such as the one being undertaken by the magnificent team of professionals behind the IRONMAN Project, and establishing ties with non-profit entities and foundations, such as FERO, is an immense source of pride for Moventia as we help to build a better society”, she said.