Top 5 Moffitt Research Stories of 2022
As the only National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is a leader in research. Our innovative discoveries are rapidly translated into new standards of care to benefit cancer patients. Here are just a few reasons why our research is unparalleled.
Investment in Florida Cancer Centers. The Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program increased the budget for cancer research and care in Florida to $100 million. The money supports three homegrown cancer centers: Moffitt, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of Florida Health Cancer Center. The three form the Florida Academic Cancer Center Alliance, dedicated to accelerating innovation in cancer research.
Cancer Conferences. Moffitt had a banner year at several cancer conferences, presenting the latest in cancer research. At the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, Moffitt faculty were authors on 100 abstracts covering cellular therapy, AI, triplet therapy and more. Dr. Amod Sarnaik presented data on using tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapy to treat advanced melanoma, which was featured on the press program at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer annual meeting.
New Prostate Cancer Treatment. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The new targeted radioligand therapy is Pluvicto. It’s a first-of-its-kind treatment for prostate cancer, and Moffitt was part of the trial that led to the new approval.
Glowing Tumor Drug Helps Ovarian Cancer Surgery. Surgeons have a new tool to fight ovarian cancer. This year, the FDA approved Cytalux, a fluorescent dye that binds to ovarian cancer tissue and glows when exposed to fluorescent light. Moffitt was one of the trial sites for the drug designed to help surgeons better detect ovarian tumors during surgery.
New Hope for Multiple Myeloma. There is no cure for multiple myeloma, which can be deadly for patients who relapse after multiple therapies. This year, the FDA approved CAR T for adults with multiple myeloma who are not responding to treatment and whose disease has returned. Dr. Melissa Alsina led the phase 2 trial at Moffitt.
