AdventHealth, Moffitt Cancer Center join forces to improve cancer care for Floridians

​​Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth are partnering to provide world-class cancer treatment and better access to cancer prevention, education, cancer screenings and early phase clinical trials.

The two organizations will work together to establish a clinical research facility and chemotherapy/immunotherapy infusion program at AdventHealth Celebration focused on solid tumor malignancies and malignant hematology, which will allow Central Florida patients to receive critical treatments closer to home.

"Both organizations share patient-centric cultures and Moffitt is excited to partner with AdventHealth to expand world-class treatment and cancer research in Central Florida," said Moffitt President and CEO Alan F. List, M.D. "Cancer does not discriminate by region and access to world-class care should be available to all who need it. This partnership leverages the strength of two institutions both focused on innovation and research in Florida."

At AdventHealth Celebration, researchers from both organizations will conduct early phase clinical trials to develop new drugs — the first and only Phase I site in Central Florida.

This partnership extends to AdventHealth's West Florida Division as well, where a new Moffitt outpatient satellite cancer center is under construction at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

"By joining with Moffitt Cancer Center, we are ensuring our patients have access to Moffitt's leading-edge research, clinical trials and novel treatments," said Daryl Tol, president and CEO of AdventHealth's Central Florida Division. "This partnership is a key element of AdventHealth's ongoing major investment in and expansion of cancer treatment and research operations."

That investment includes innovative treatments such as immunotherapy and state-of-the-art space for cancer research, Tol said. The new clinical research facility will mirror that of the existing facility already operating on the Moffitt campus.

According to Moffitt Cancer Center Director and Executive Vice President Thomas A. Sellers, PhD, MPH, "We are excited to partner with AdventHealth, leveraging our complementary strengths to turn innovative research into cutting-edge treatment and prevention for all those touched by cancer. I commend AdventHealth for their commitment to the promise of a National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer consortium."

The partnership will develop a single cancer research agenda shared across both organizations. This will include expanding research activities and recruitment of innovative cancer investigators to the AdventHealth Orlando and Celebration campuses. It will accelerate breakthrough research for the prevention and cure of cancer.

Patients across Florida will have increased access to research, personalized medicine and innovation through this relationship. Combining the breadth and depth of the clinical and research talent at Moffitt and AdventHealth, combined with the significant patient populations that we serve, will help advance personalized cancer care, with the goal of finding new discoveries in the fight against cancer.