UF Health Cancer Center Market Research Report

Background

The UF Health Cancer Center, established in 1992, is a comprehensive cancer care and research institution located at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In June 2023, it achieved National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, becoming the 72nd NCI-designated cancer center in the United States and the only one based at a public university in Florida. This designation underscores the center's commitment to excellence in cancer research, treatment, and community outreach.

Key Strategic Focus

The UF Health Cancer Center focuses on providing leading-edge cancer care and conducting original research aimed at preventing, detecting, treating, and ultimately curing cancer. Its strategic objectives include:

• Comprehensive Patient Care: Offering multidisciplinary cancer programs with advanced treatment options such as minimally invasive and robotic surgery, proton and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

• Innovative Research: Conducting interdisciplinary basic discovery and translational research with a focus on near-term clinical applications. Research strengths include cancer communication and prevention, tumor virology and the microbiome, and cancer immunotherapy.

• Community Engagement: Implementing outreach programs targeting underserved communities to address the unique challenges of the cancer burden in North Central Florida.

Financials and Funding

The UF Health Cancer Center has experienced significant growth in research funding:

• Research Grants: The center doubled its peer-reviewed cancer research funding since 2016, with $48.8 million in total cancer research grants and 359 active cancer research projects in 2022.

• NCI Funding: With NCI designation, the center receives $2.1 million annually to enhance its research capabilities and attract world-class researchers.

Pipeline Development

The center's research programs are organized into four main areas:

1. Cancer Control and Population Sciences: Aims to reduce the cancer-related burden in the catchment area by improving prevention, treatment, symptom management, and palliative care.

2. Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics: Focuses on accelerating the discovery, development, and clinical translation of targeted small molecule and biotherapies.

3. Immuno-Oncology and Microbiome: Seeks to improve cancer outcomes through innovative therapeutic research on microbiome-immunotherapy interactions.

4. Mechanisms of Oncogenesis: Aims to identify and understand cellular pathways dysregulated during neoplastic transformation to develop targeted therapies.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The UF Health Cancer Center employs several advanced technologies and methodologies:

• Proprietary Technologies: Utilizes robot-assisted drug discovery at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology.

• Scientific Methods: Applies innovative approaches such as customized virtual health assistants for patient engagement in screening and prevention behaviors.

• AI-Driven Capabilities: Incorporates big data analytics to address key research questions, including the needs of the aging population.

Leadership Team

The UF Health Cancer Center is led by a team of distinguished professionals:

• Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., Director: An expert in hematology and oncology, Dr. Licht has served in senior positions in the American Society of Hematology and the American Association for Cancer Research.

• Alison M. Ivey, RN, MBA, Associate Director for Administration: Oversees administrative operations, ensuring efficient management of the center's resources.

• Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D., Associate Director for Population Sciences: Leads research initiatives focused on cancer control and prevention.

• Dietmar W. Siemann, Ph.D., Associate Director for Cancer Education & Training: Manages educational programs and training related to cancer research and treatment.

• Duane A. Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Director for Translation & Innovation: Focuses on translating research findings into clinical applications.

• George D. Thomas, M.D., Director: Provides leadership in clinical research and patient care.

• Ji-Hyun Lee, Dr.P.H., Associate Director for Cancer Quantitative Sciences: Specializes in quantitative analysis and data science in cancer research.

• Kate Hitchcock, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Leader for Professional Development: Supports professional growth and development within the center.

• Paul L. Crispen, M.D., Associate Director for Clinical Research: Leads clinical research programs and trials.

• Ramzi G. Salloum, Ph.D., Associate Director for Community Outreach & Engagement: Enhances community engagement and outreach efforts.

• Renne F. Rolf, Ph.D., Associate Director for Basic Science: Oversees basic science research initiatives.

• Steven Madore, Ph.D., Associate Director for Shared Resources: Manages shared resources and facilities.

• Thomas J. George, M.D., Deputy Director: Assists in overall leadership and strategic direction.

Competitor Profile

The UF Health Cancer Center operates in a competitive landscape with several notable institutions:

• Moffitt Cancer Center: Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt is the only Florida-based cancer center with NCI Comprehensive designation.

• Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center: Based at the University of Miami, Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center focusing on comprehensive cancer care and research.

• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute: Recognized for its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention, and cancer control.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The UF Health Cancer Center has established several key collaborations:

• Moffitt Cancer Center Partnership: In 2008, UF Health Cancer Center, Shands HealthCare, and Moffitt Cancer Center announced a partnership to develop world-class programs in cancer care, research, and prevention.

• Florida Academic Cancer Center Alliance (FACCA): Formed in 2014, FACCA includes UF Health Cancer Center, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, aiming to expedite innovation in cancer research throughout Florida.

Operational Insights

The UF Health Cancer Center differentiates itself through:

• Comprehensive Care Model: Integrating advanced treatment options with a focus on personalized patient care.

• Innovative Research Programs: Emphasizing translational research to rapidly advance scientific discoveries to clinical applications.

• Community Engagement: Addressing the unique challenges of the cancer burden in North Central Florida through targeted outreach programs.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The UF Health Cancer Center is poised to:

• Expand Research Initiatives: Leveraging NCI funding to enhance research capabilities and attract top-tier researchers.

• Enhance Clinical Trials: Increasing patient participation in innovative clinical trials to provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

• Strengthen Community Outreach: Developing programs to address health disparities and improve cancer outcomes in underserved communities.

Contact Information

• Official Website: UF Health Cancer Center

• Social Media Profiles:

• Facebook: UF Health Cancer Center

• Twitter: @UFHealthCancer