For information on clinical trials at this NCCN Member Institution click here.

The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center whose sole mission is to “contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.” Since its doors opened in 1986, the Center has worked to establish a tradition of excellence in patient care offered in an atmosphere characterized by compassion and hope. The Cancer Center is also a recognized leader in focused, innovative research and an important resource for training future scientific and clinical leaders in oncology. Combining the clinical and research sides, the Center’s goal is the discovery, translation and delivery of personalized cancer care. The Center has been named among “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report for the ninth year in a row.

• The Moffitt hospital is licensed for 162 beds, 26 of which are dedicated to the blood and marrow transplantation unit. The Cancer Center has one of the largest Blood & Marrow Transplantation Program in the Southeast.
• Each year the number of patients seen at Moffitt has steadily increased. For Fiscal Year 2007 inpatient admissions reached 7,261 and outpatient visits totaled 264,533
• There are currently more than 800 research faculty and research support staff and more than 190,000 square feet of research space.
• Physicians total more than 300.
• At the beginning of 2008, grant funding exceeded $66 million, with more than $49 million in peer-reviewed funding.
• The Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention Center is the first facility in the region to offer genetic screening services.
• Cancer Control: Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center is distributed to more than 18,000 cancer specialists worldwide

Clinical Programs

Optimal care at Moffitt translates into an interdisciplinary team approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients with cancer. In support of this philosophy, academic and clinical services have been organized into 14 disease-oriented programs. The interdisciplinary programs represent patient care, clinical research, education, and cancer control activities. Each has a designated leader, and the full team consists of medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, data and administrative managers, and other appropriate support personnel. The goals are to provide comprehensive care for new and established patients, develop and conduct clinical research trials, establish collaborative links with appropriate basic science programs, and provide educational and training programs for medical students.

Research

Scientific research at Moffitt is conducted in six specific programs: Molecular Oncology; Drug Discovery; Immunology; Experimental Therapeutics, Health Outcomes and Behavior; and Risk Assessment, Detection, and Intervention. Each program is composed of scientific faculty selected for their high level of accomplishment and desire to work in a highly collaborative environment. Research initiatives focus on a variety of areas including: functional genomics/proteomics; immunotherapy vaccines; new drug therapies; molecular signatures; behavioral oncology, and tobacco research. At present, Moffitt participates in more than 640 clinical trials both through cooperative groups as well as those initiated by Moffitt’s own scientists.

Recent research includes:

• Timothy Yeatman, MD and colleagues provided the first evidence that Osteopontin can lead to gene expression changes that influence tumor progression and malignant growth.
• Alan List, MD and colleagues demonstrated that Lenalidomide has activity in patients with 5q- myelodysplastic syndromes who have no response to erythropoietin or who are unlikely to benefit from conventional therapy.
• Gerold Bepler, MD and George Simon, MD developed a trial for advanced-stage lung cancer patients. Called the MADeIT (Molecular Analysis Directed Individualized Therapy), the trial tailored the selection of chemotherapy drugs to fit the patient’s unique genetic profile. Based on the expression of two genes (ERCC1, which predicts for platinum drug resistance, and RRM1, which predicts for gemcitabine drug resistance), patients were given the appropriate combination of two standard FDA approved chemotherapy drugs. The investigators concluded that therapeutic decision making based on expression of these genes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer is feasible and shows promise for patient outcome.

Cancer Prevention and Control

Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention Center is the clinical site for cancer control research at Moffitt, providing a full range of cancer screening and prevention services to support the Cancer Center’s mission. Lifetime provides the latest in cancer genetics research and screening technologies for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, ovarian and skin cancer as well as preventive counseling. Through these services Lifetime aims to help high-risk patients and families understand and reduce their risk of developing cancer. Additional services are available through Lifetime including Cancer Answers, a toll-free cancer information line staffed by registered Oncology nurses.

Affiliate Program

Moffitt’s Affiliate Network is a dynamic professional partnership in healthcare delivery involving strategic affiliations formed with community physicians and health care providers coming together to form a mutually beneficial relationship. The program provides affiliates with continuity of care for their patients while offering access to clinical trials and/or cutting-edge technology. Currently the network included more than 400 physicians and 15 hospitals/clinic affiliations in Florida and Georgia.

Moffitt also has created formal affiliations with institutions in four Central and South American countries including: Insituto do Radium de Campinas in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Fundacion Accion, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Enfermedades Neoplasicas, Lima, Peru; and Clinica AMO, Salvador, Brazil. In addition Moffitt has relationships with the University of Puerto Rico and the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico.

Total Cancer Care

Moffitt Cancer Center has instituted a new program to perform state-of-the-art cancer research called “Total Cancer Care” (TCC). Joining with its affiliates to create a new frontier in cancer research, Moffitt is using health information technology to revolutionize the delivery of cancer care and accelerate the development of new lifesaving therapies.

Focused on providing the right care, at the right place, at the right time, the program is based on the ability to acquire blood and tumor samples from thousands of cancer patients at Moffitt and at affiliated hospitals and oncology practices throughout Florida. Every individual is different, with a different fingerprint, and that every tumor is unique as well. While cancer can be classified by its site of origin (lung, breast, colon, prostate), there are, in fact, many different types of each of these cancers. Today, physicians treat most cancer patients with the standard protocol, but in reality, only a few patients may benefit from that specific drug -- individual patients with the same kind of cancer don’t always respond to standard treatment for that cancer in the same way.

Recent technological advancements now make it possible to test each tumor for approximately 30,000 genes. These genes provide a “molecular” fingerprint that is unique for each tumor just like the lines on a person’s fingertips uniquely identify that person. By studying this “molecular” fingerprint, scientists will eventually develop new drug therapies that are personalized for each individual. Information about which drugs are working best will be used to prevent, detect, treat, and even cure different types of cancer – thus streamlining the drug development process.

By 2010, Moffitt researchers hope to use the data collected to recommend individualized treatments for patients, leading to personalized cancer care for cancer patients in their own communities throughout Florida and beyond.

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
Adult Oncology Services

Introduction

The H. Lee Cancer Moffitt Center & Research Institute is a not-a-for-profit institution which includes a hospital as well as a freestanding outpatient care facility, a major research institute consisting of more than 800 scientific members, a freestanding Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention Center providing a wide array of outreach and educational activities for the general public and select underserved populations and a for-profit subsidiary

Moffitt Cancer Center is an National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center located on the University of South Florida’s main campus which sets the stage for the its conceptual commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to research and patient care. Moffitt’s NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center status signifies its membership among an elite group of NCI centers nationwide whose singular focus is the rapid translation of research discoveries to directly benefit people with cancer.  Moffitt Cancer Center also has been named among “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report for nine years in a row.

Moffitt Cancer Center’s scientific programs are integrally linked.  The Moffitt Research Institute includes programs in Basic Science, Experimental Therapeutics and Cancer Control and Prevention Research.  In addition, clinical trials encompassing new and established procedures in chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and genetic immunotherapy are available for most diseases.  All research, no matter how fundamental, is regularly scrutinized for its translational potential.  Moffitt recognizes the critical role a cancer center can play in this transition from concept to clinical intervention. After 20 years, the Cancer Center’s mission remains totally focused on “contributing to the prevention and cure of cancer.” 

The Florida Legislature created the Cancer Center in the early 1980s to meet a clear and compelling need to respond to Florida’s “cancer epidemic.” Construction of the original, 380,000 square foot hospital facility was funded with $70 million from the state's cigarette tax, allowing the Center to open in 1986.  Since then, Moffitt Cancer Center has become a sprawling institution employing more than 3,800 staff working in nine buildings totaling nearly 1.4 million square feet. 

As a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt Cancer Center has two responsibilities:  to continue our work in scientific innovation and to share this information with the community we serve. Recognizing that we must reach beyond our walls to fulfill these responsibilities, Moffitt is building a strategic network of the highest quality physicians and facilities in Florida. Today, the Affiliate Network and Strategic Alliances is a collaborative team working to enhance the quality and breadth of cancer care services for Florida cancer patients, their families and the community. The benefits of the strategic relationships formed between Moffitt and its affiliates are ongoing.

In addition, Moffitt Cancer Center has instituted a new program to perform state-of-the-art cancer research called “Total Cancer Care” (TCC).  Joining with its affiliates to create a new frontier in cancer research, Moffitt is using health information technology to revolutionize the delivery of cancer care and accelerate the development of new lifesaving therapies.

Focused on providing the right care, at the right place, at the right time, the program is based on the ability to acquire blood and tumor samples from thousands of cancer patients at Moffitt and at affiliated hospitals and oncology practices throughout Florida.  Every individual is different, with a different fingerprint, and that every tumor is unique as well.  While cancer can be classified by its site of origin (lung, breast, colon, prostate), there are, in fact, many different types of each of these cancers.  Today, physicians treat most cancer patients with the standard protocol, but in reality, only a few patients may benefit from that specific drug -- individual patients with the same kind of cancer don’t always respond to standard treatment for that cancer in the same way.

Recent technological advancements now make it possible to test each tumor for approximately 30,000 genes.  These genes provide a “molecular” fingerprint that is unique for each tumor just like the lines on a person’s fingertips uniquely identify that person. By studying this “molecular” fingerprint, scientists will eventually develop new drug therapies that are personalized for each individual. Information about which drugs are working best will be used to prevent, detect, treat, and even cure different types of cancer – thus streamlining the drug development process.

By 2010, Moffitt researchers hope to use the data collected to recommend individualized treatments for patients, leading to personalized cancer care for cancer patients in their own communities throughout Florida and beyond.  

Clinical Programs

Moffitt’s academic and clinical services are organized into 14 disease-oriented programs consisting of surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nurses, data managers, administrative managers, and other appropriate support personnel. The objectives of the programs are to provide interdisciplinary evaluation of cancer patients, develop and conduct clinical research trials, establish translational linkages with appropriate basic science programs, and provide educational programs and training for medical students, house staff physicians, fellows, and the community.

Research

Research at Moffitt encompasses more than just laboratories and new drug therapies. Basic scientists, funded by state and federal grants, probe the “why” and “how” of healthy cells that change to cancer, while physician scientists bring those discoveries to the patient by offering the latest investigational treatments. The Center has a number of research programs including molecular oncology, immunology, drug discovery, experimental therapeutics, genetic immunotherapy, behavioral oncology, cancer screening, prevention and early detection, digital imaging, tobacco research and intervention, and molecular screening.

General Information

Treatment

Multidisciplinary Clinics
Please call the main Moffitt number at 800.456.3434 toll-free and ask for a specific program, or call 888.MOFFITT (888.663.3488 or visit our web site at www.moffitt.org and click on clinical programs.

Stem Cell Transplant Program

Diseases: Breast Cancer, Leukemia, and Lymphoma

Both autologous and allogenic transplants are provided. Breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma are all being treated through transplants.

Integrative Medicine

Moffitt opened its evidence-based Integrative Medicine Program in January 2004. Key elements include acupuncture, nutritional counseling, exercise assessment, massage therapy, yoga, and tai chi. In addition there are a number of research studies also associated with the program including trials on soy, lycopene, SAMe, and green tea.

Information about the program as well as all of Moffitt's research studies and services can be accessed at 888.MOFFITT or www.moffit.org.

Cancer Prevention and Screening

• Moffitt provides smoking cessation programs, nutritional counseling, and genetic counseling to the community
• Moffitt has a Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention Center that provides screening and counseling.
• Through , its community outreach programs, Moffitt provides mammography screening and follow-up to rural farm workers and underserved populations
• Moffitt is a regular sponsor of the Florida Cancer Education Network, which also provides free prostate screening and education at a yearly health fair.
• Moffitt offers “Mole Patrols” at beachside locations throughout the state where consumers are screened for skin cancers including Melanoma

Support Services

Moffitt offers a number of support groups for cancer patients including FACTors (breast cancer), Man-to-Man (prostate cancer), Chatterbox (laryngectomee), lung cancer, and others.

The Psychosocial Department offers counseling for patients and families alike.

There are survivorship programs in BMT, Breast Cancer, and Head & Neck Cancers—Adults only.

The Psychosocial staff and the Patient Relations staff are available to address employment and childcare issues.

Supportive Care

Pain Service

Moffitt’s Pain Care and Palliative Care are under the aegis of the Psychosocial Department.

Home Care/Hospice Service

Moffitt works with Lifepath Hospice and Hospice of the Suncoast.

Nutrition Service

Services are provided through the Nutrition Department. There are currently eight registered/clinical dietitians available.

Special Expertise

Cooperative Group Membership

Adult Oncology Program

*FY07 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007) Represents outpatient visits

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
Genetic Counseling and Testing Services

Cancer genetic counseling and testing services are offered through the Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention Center of the H. Lee Moffitt (HLM) Cancer Center & Research Institute. Comprehensive genetic services are offered to individuals with cancer and their family members, and to individuals with a family history of cancer. The goals of the service are pre-symptomatic risk assessment and management, diagnostic evaluation, education, genetic testing, the multidisciplinary coordination of health care, and access to appropriate research protocols. Genetic counseling is provided by board-certified/eligible genetic specialists with experience in cancer genetics. A multidisciplinary team reviews each genetic testing case and includes physicians who are board-certified in oncology, surgery, clinical genetics, and molecular genetics; the director of the Psychosocial Oncology Program; and board-certified oncology nurse practitioners and genetic counselors.

The following tables delineate the components of the Comprehensive Genetic Counseling and Testing Service (GCTS) at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Intake Process

Testing

Post-Test Counseling and Follow-Up

Research

Most aspects of genetic risk assessment and testing for cancer susceptibility syndromes warrant evaluation for research protocols as standards of care are being defined. Appropriate referrals are made for such studies at HLM and outside the institution.

Last updated: 2/11/2008