The BBVA Foundation has reported an agreement to underwrite a joint effort between Massachusetts General Hospital and Barcelona's Vall d'Hebron Hospital to search for personalized cancer therapies through biomarker research.

The BBVA Foundation Tumor Biomarkers Research Program will provide 2.5 million euros over the next five years to fund the collaborative efforts of MGH and VHIO. MGH has also committed to match up to 1.25 million euros of the BBVA Foundation contribution. Funding for the research may be increased according to economic circumstances and as need arises.

"We are grateful that the BBVA Foundation is not only maintaining but boosting its support for this program, along with its broader commitment to research in general, and cancer research in particular, at a time of economic difficulties," said Josep Baselga, chief of hematology/oncology at MGH.

BBVA Foundation president Francisco Gonzalez concurred, adding: "Spain cannot afford to slip behind in an area where it has already attained a position of some prominence, and where research results can drive tangible improvements in the diagnostic and therapeutic options available to patients."