UF Health Cancer Institute again recognized as a state Cancer Center of Excellence

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Health Cancer Institute has once again been recognized as a Cancer Center of Excellence by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Health.

The UF Health Cancer Institute is one of six centers in the state to hold the designation, which includes the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville. It’s the only Cancer Center of Excellence in North Central Florida.

The Florida Legislature created the Cancer Center of Excellence designation in 2013 to recognize hospitals, treatment centers and other providers that demonstrate excellence in patient-centered coordinated care for people undergoing cancer treatment and therapy in Florida.

The goal is to encourage excellence in cancer care, attract and retain the best cancer care providers to the state and help Florida providers be recognized nationally as a preferred destination for quality cancer care, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The UF Health Cancer Institute has held the designation for more than a decade since the program began. This renewal highlights its dedication to innovative, collaborative patient-centered care, said Thomas George, M.D., FACP, FASCO, the institute’s interim director.

“Every day, we’re improving cancer care by making fundamental research discoveries and translating those into new therapies to benefit patients,” George said. “We bring patients the very latest cancer-fighting tools and technologies through more than 200 innovative cancer clinical trials, including some therapies available only in Florida.”

The designation recognizes providers that exceed service standards and excel in providing quality, comprehensive and patient-coordinated care.

Scores are based on rating standards created by a committee of members from the Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council and the Biomedical Research Advisory Council.

“At UF Health, we deliver exceptional clinical care by prioritizing innovation, education and discovery,” said Stephen Motew, M.D., M.H.A., FACS, UF Health president and system CEO.

The UF Health Cancer Institute is Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center at a public institution in Florida. It maintains accreditation by the Commission on Cancer as an academic comprehensive cancer program, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. It is involved in regional cancer control initiatives through Florida’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, hosting cancer screening events and shaping the state’s priorities through leadership on the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council.

The Cancer Institute translates lab, population-based and data discoveries into clinical trials available for UF Health patients. Many homegrown UF discoveries such as novel lipid nanoparticles are being tested in clinical trials for brain, skin and other cancers. In the Cancer Center of Excellence renewal reporting period, overall clinical trial enrollment increased nearly 40%.

The institute offers a comprehensive oncology nurse navigation team and robust patient support services, including a survivorship program, genetic counseling and a new online series of cancer education and support sessions.

In addition, the institute is committed to training the next generation of cancer researchers and care providers, offering educational programs for everyone from high schoolers to faculty. Many, like a team-based training program that pairs pre- and postdoctoral trainees, are unique among National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers.