2023 ANNUAL REPORT
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
F LOR I DA’ S ON LY NC I - DE S IG NATED C ANC ER C ENTER AT A P UB LI C UN IVER SIT Y
DIRECTOR’S WELCOME
For more than a decade, we were on a journey to bring North Central Florida a cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute, or NCI. In 2023, thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of researchers across the University of Florida and with the support of our university, community, and state and federal partners, we reached this major milestone. The University of Florida Health Cancer Center is now the 72nd NCI-designated cancer center and the only one in Florida based at a public university. Every day over the past decade, we asked ourselves a singular question: How are we moving the field of cancer research forward to benefit our patients and our community? The members of the UF Health Cancer Center rose to this challenge,
according to the four pillars of our center, first making fundamental discoveries. We then translated these from theory to practice on behalf of a community that we better understand through meaningful engagement. Throughout this process, we have been preparing and educating the next generation of the cancer research workforce. To achieve designation, we doubled our cancer-relevant
funding and tripled our NCI funding. We now have more than $55 million in total cancer research and training grants and more than 350 active cancer research projects. We also doubled patient participation in clinical trials from 2016. In addition to our therapeutic clinical trials, we have thousands of ongoing studies in areas such as cancer prevention and screening.
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TRANSFORM
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D I S C OV E R
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ENGAGE
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Over the next decade, our goals are to make discoveries that change paradigms in the understanding of cancer; improve cancer care by leading practicechanging trials; and develop Our accomplishments new therapies are a reflection of based on UF the hard work and laboratory commitment of discoveries. our members, staff We also aim to address and trainees. the risk factors for cancer, particularly among our rural and underserved populations, and inform polices that support improved health and reduce the burden of cancer on our patients and their families.
2023 was marked by great progress in the development of cancer research programs at the UF Health Cancer Center. Our accomplishments are a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our members, staff and trainees. We will harness this momentum to reach even greater heights in the years to come as we remain dedicated to our collective mission of preventing, detecting, treating and ultimately curing cancer. Sincerely, Jonathan D. Licht, M.D. Director UF Health Cancer Center
The University of Florida Health Cancer Center blends comprehensive patient care and innovative research in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. It boasts a membership of nearly 350 researchers and clinicians from across the University of Florida and UF Health, the Southeast’s most comprehensive academic health center. The Cancer Center and its members, who represent 11 of the 16 UF colleges, are dedicated to providing leading-edge cancer care and conducting original research for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
UF Health Cancer Center becomes 72nd NCI-designated cancer center In 2015, Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., a distinguished cancer researcher in the field of epigenetics, arrived at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center with a singular mission: to bring a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center to North Central Florida. Support through the Florida NCI Cancer Centers Act, passed in 2014 and initiated by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott during his tenure as governor, had added fuel to the fire of a lofty dream. With Licht’s vision as director and the support of the entire university, the health system set its sights on achieving something few had.
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
transform 4 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
N C I
D E S I G N A T I O N
A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT
Success would require dramatically accelerating cancer research at UF, and it would have a transformative effect on cancer care for generations to come.
added to the national roster of NCIdesignated cancer centers. In June 2023, the UF Health Cancer Center made the list, becoming the nation’s 72nd NCIdesignated cancer center and the only such center based at a public university in the state of Florida.
The center wasted no time, assembling a collaborative leadership team and investing in infrastructure, people and programs. It engaged more than 300 faculty across nearly every college at the university. It demonstrated a growing research foundation, doubling cancerrelevant funding and tripling NCI funding, as well as doubling patient participation in clinical trials. Nearly 60 new cancer researchers were recruited.
The designation signifies that the UF Health Cancer Center has met rigorous standards in its leading-edge cancer research programs, advanced scientific leadership, distinctive training programs and forward-thinking community outreach. Cancer Center staff and supporters celebrated the long-sought achievement with a party on June 20. Giant balloons were fashioned into the shape of the number 72, and a photo booth allowed folks to take fun pictures of themselves with a variety of props and swag, including orange UF Health Cancer Center-branded foam fingers, blue and orange beads and pompoms.
The center documented its work in a comprehensive application to the NCI, totaling nearly 1,400 pages. It underwent a rigorous site visit, where the center’s faculty and staff fielded meticulous questions from national experts. Many centers have tried, but over the past 15 years only a handful have been
Licht acknowledged the center and university leadership, state and federal partners, community advisory board, donors and hundreds of members, trainees and staff whose tremendous effort made the milestone possible. “Thanks to all of you, we are closer to our shared vision of a future where highly personalized approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment are the norm and the burden of cancer on our neighbors, friends and loved ones is eliminated,” Licht said. The NCI Cancer Centers Program, created in 1971, is one of the anchors of the nation’s cancer research effort and is an innovation engine for U.S. cancer research progress. With the designation, the center will receive $2.1 million annually from the NCI to enhance its ability to attract more world-class researchers and clinical
C ANCER CENTER SUP P ORT GR ANT
30%
44,000
58
1,394
annual research budget increase
square feet of new space commitment
new members recruited
pages in grant application 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 5
The Journey to NCI Designation A DECADE OF PROGRESS
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
2014 n The Florida National Cancer Institute Cancer Centers Act is signed into law. The program aims to catapult three state-supported academic cancer centers — the UF Health Cancer Center, the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa — onto the international stage of cancer research and care. Since then, around $20 million annually in state funds has come to UF Health to bolster its research programs and improve clinical care.
6 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
2015 n Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., an internationally known expert in the molecular basis of blood cancers, is appointed director of the UF Health Cancer Center. He joins the center from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago and begins building on the foundation laid by predecessors Stratford May Jr., M.D., Ph.D., and Paul Okunieff, M.D.
2016 n The Cancer Center holds its first meeting of the External Advisory Board, comprised of directors of NCI-designated cancer centers and nationally recognized scientific leaders. This board advises the center on creating an optimal NCI application. n The Cancer Center begins restructuring its research programs.
A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT investigators and train the next generation of the cancer research workforce, while increasing its competitiveness for cancer research grants. At a time when Florida has the nation’s second-highest cancer burden, the funding will provide more resources for innovative clinical trials and increase access to cancer care. Being part of the NCI network means patients in North Central Florida and beyond can be assured of access to the most advanced cancer treatments and innovation — backed by research conducted by dedicated scientists. “Designation is an acknowledgment that the UF Health Cancer Center is at the
2017
beginning of a new era of accelerating growth and service,” Licht said.
Investing in the future With NCI designation comes new access to a specific portfolio of national funding opportunities, collaborations and programs to push cancer research to greater heights. With NCI support, the UF academic health center and the state of Florida, the center will invest in: nS tate-of-the-art biomedical research tools and instruments nA rtificial intelligence expertise to match patients with the best clinical care and research
2018
Being part of the NCI network means patients can be assured of access to the most advanced cancer treatments and innovation.
2019 n The Center restructures its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement and accelerates clinical investigator recruitment.
n The Cancer Center’s Executive Committee is finalized. The center also reorganizes its Clinical Research Office.
n May 21: The UF Health Cancer Center submits the CCSG application.
n The Cancer Center presents its programs to its External Advisory Board and the NCI and receives the go-ahead to apply for the Cancer Center Support Grant, or CCSG, and become NCI designated.
n Sept. 24: Experts from around the country come to the UF campus for an NCI site visit. n Dec. 20: The NCI notes the center is poised to have a major impact in the state of Florida and invites a revised application with the suggestion for further development of the center.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 7
A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT initiatives championed by first lady Casey DeSantis.
center also aims to double or triple research funding over the next decade.
By harnessing momentum earned through NCI designation, the UF Health Cancer Center aims to be a magnet destination for leaders in cancer research and care.
NCI designation is rewarding, said John R. Wingard, M.D., who retired as deputy director in July, but the best part is what it means for those affected by cancer.
“We will make these resources available to colleagues at cancer centers across the state as a model of collaboration to accelerate discovery on behalf of all Floridians,” Licht said.
“Florida will serve as a proving ground to attract the most promising trainees,” Licht said. “Here in Florida, we will cultivate a new cadre of national leaders committed to addressing the burden that cancer places on each of us.”
All of this comes as cancer is at the forefront in Florida, with a major expansion in state funding from the Florida Legislature, with the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis and new research
The center’s long-term goal is to apply for comprehensive designation from the NCI in the next decade, the most advanced level that requires demonstrating an added depth and breadth of cancer research. The
“Designation is an assurance to our patients and community that our clinical research programs are making a major impact on cancer outcomes,” Wingard said. “It is an important recognition that we are on the right path to usher in a future in which the expected outcome of a cancer diagnosis is a cure and everyone in our community has ready access to personalized care.”
nB iospecimen banks to study the
molecular basis of cancer and the role the microbiome plays in our health nF acilities to produce new immunotherapies for some of the hardest-to-treat cancers
2020 n The Cancer Center receives unanimous institutional endorsement and support to resubmit the CCSG application. n The center makes several key leadership changes. Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D., an accomplished cancer epidemiologist, is named associate director for cancer population sciences and co-leader of the Cancer Control & Population Sciences research program. Lizi Wu, Ph.D., a noted molecular oncology researcher, is named co-leader of the Mechanisms of Oncogenesis research program.
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2021 n Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute, is named associate director for translation and innovation. Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., who is creating innovative RNA nanoparticle vaccines for tumor immunization, is named co-leader of the Cancer Therapeutics & Host Response research program. Merry Jennifer Markham, M.D., associate director for medical affairs at the Cancer Center, is appointed chief of the division of hematology and oncology in the UF College of Medicine. n The center, in collaboration with the NCIfunded Florida-California Cancer Research, Education and Engagement (CaRE2) Healthy Equity Center, expands postbaccalaureate
“Designation is an assurance to our patients and community that our clinical research programs are making a major impact on cancer outcomes.”
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
2022
research education programs to work with predominantly Black and Hispanic populations and rural colleges and universities. n The NCI funds team-based cancer research training led by Dietmar Siemann, Ph.D. n Center officials meet with the NCI to demonstrate readiness to resubmit the application. Officials say they are impressed by the center’s progress since the 2019 submission.
n The center forms a new strategic plan, Momentum 2027, and makes more key leadership changes. Luisel Ricks-Santi, Ph.D., is named associate director for diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Licht is named associate vice president for cancer services at UF Health and a member of the UF Health Board of Directors. n Gov. Ron DeSantis announces he will approve $100 million for cancer research and treatment in the state’s 2022-23 spending plan. The Florida Consortium of National Cancer Institute Centers Program is renamed the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program. n May 20: The Cancer Center resubmits the CGSG application. n Oct. 13: Experts from around the country arrive on campus for a second NCI site visit.
2023 n June 1: The Cancer Center’s application wins approval and the grant begins.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 9
UF Colleges • UF College of Dentistry • UF College of Medicine • UF College of Nursing • UF College of Pharmacy • UF College of Public Health and Health Professions • UF College of Veterinary Medicine • UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering • UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences • UF College of Journalism and Communications • UF College of Engineering • UF College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
At the Intersection of Collaborative Care and Research
Patient Care • UF Health Davis Cancer Pavilion • UF Health Medical Plaza • UF Health Medical Oncology/ Adult Infusion Center • UF Health Radiation Oncology Clinic • UF Health Proton Therapy Institute • UF Health Shands Hospital • UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital • UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital • UF Health Springhill • UF Health Jacksonville
UF COLLEGES
UF Centers & Institutes • Evelyn F. & William L. McKnight Brain Institute of UF • UF Center for Inflammation and Mucosal Immunology • UF Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development • UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute • UF Genetics Institute • UF Informatics Institute • UF Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research • UF Institute on Aging • UF Institute for Child Health Policy • UF Myology Institute • UF Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology • UF Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence • UF Powell Gene Therapy Center • UF Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy • UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
Research • Cancer Control & Population Sciences (CCPS) Research Program • Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics (CTT) Research Program • Immuno-Oncology and Microbiome (IOM) Research Program • Mechanisms of Oncogenesis (MOO) Research Program • Clinical Research Office • UF Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research • Florida Academic Cancer Center Alliance • The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
T H E U F H E A LT H C A N C E R C E N T E R and its members are part of the UF Health system, which encompasses six health colleges, nine research centers and institutes, three hospital systems and dozens of physician
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PATIENT CARE
RESEARCH
UF CENTERS & INSTITUTES
medical practices and outpatient services throughout Central, North Central and Northeast Florida, and two veterinary hospitals. It is part of one of the nation’s top five best public research universities. Ninety percent of the
center’s members also serve as faculty; the Cancer Center boasts members from 11 UF colleges. Additionally, many members are clinicians within the UF Health family of hospitals and clinical programs.
This unique intersection of innovation, education and treatment is where the UF Health Cancer Center is redefining expertise.
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
ACCOLADES
AC CREDITED PRO GRAM
The National Pancreas Foundation
CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 11
New leadership positions UF Health Cancer Center for success After achieving designation from the National Cancer Institute, or NCI, in June, the UF Health Cancer Center made several key leadership changes, positioning the center to reach even greater heights in cancer research and care. Thomas George, M.D., FACP, a distinguished clinician and clinical investigator who served as the Cancer Center’s associate director for clinical research since 2016, was named deputy director. George, a professor in the division of hematology and oncology in the UF College of Medicine who specializes in gastrointestinal cancers and early-phase cancer drug development, assumed the position after John R. Wingard, M.D., retired in July after more than 27 years at UF. Paul Crispen, M.D., a urologic oncologist, was named associate director for clinical research. Crispen, a professor in the department of urology, has extensive experience with clinical trials. From 2017 to 2022, he chaired the Cancer Center’s Scientific Review and Monitoring Committee, which provides critical peer
review of cancer-relevant studies at UF. “I am thrilled that Dr. George and Dr. Crispen are taking on these essential leadership roles at this exciting time as we continue the development of our newly NCI-designated cancer center,” said Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., director of the UF Health Cancer Center. Also joining the leadership team was Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D., an accomplished cancer implementation science researcher with a focus on tobacco control, who was named associate director for community outreach and engagement. Salloum, an associate professor in the department of health outcomes and biomedical informatics in the UF College of Medicine, is responsible for overseeing the centerwide effort to reduce the burden of cancer through research in clinical and community settings that addresses cancer prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship. Salloum, who also serves as director of the Learning Health System Initiative at the UF Clinical and Translational
Science Institute, stepped into the role as Elizabeth Shenkman, Ph.D., a professor and chair in the department of health outcomes and biomedical informatics, transitioned into a senior advisory role with the Cancer Center. Salloum is an innovative health economist with a passion to create a tobacco-free world, Licht said. His testimony before the Alachua County Commission contributed to the development of an ordinance raising the legal age to buy tobacco to 21 in the county, which then spread throughout the state. In addition, Alison M. Ivey, R.N., M.S., M.B.A., OCN, CCRP, was promoted to associate director for administration and chief administrative officer at the UF Health Cancer Center. Erin Monari, Ph.D., CCRP, was named administrative director of the Clinical Research Office. In this pivotal role, Ivey orchestrates the center’s multifaceted administrative and business operations encompassing clinical research, grants administration, finance,
NEW LEADERSHIP Thomas George, M.D., FACP
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Paul Crispen, M.D.
Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D.
Alison M. Ivey, R.N., M.S., M.B.A., OCN, CCRP
facilities and affiliate partnerships. She is also integrally involved in the maintenance of the center’s status as an NCI-designated cancer center. She is a key member of the UF Health Cancer Center senior leadership team and contributes to strategic planning and policy formation for the center. As associate director for administration, Ivey oversees all administrative functions of the Cancer Center. In her new leadership role, Monari will provide administrative oversight for all UF Health Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office teams, including adult hematologic malignancies, adult solid tumor and pediatrics, and she will provide regulatory and financial support. Several new research program leaders were also appointed. Zhijian Qian, Ph.D., an accomplished cancer researcher who holds an endowed professorship in cancer research in the UF College of Medicine, was appointed coleader of the Mechanisms of Oncogenesis, or MOO, research program. Qian, the Pierre Chagnon Professor of Cancer Research in the division of
Erin Monari, Ph.D., CCRP
hematology and oncology, will co-lead the program with Lizi Wu, Ph.D., a professor in the department of microbiology and molecular genetics.
biomedical informatics in the UF College of Medicine, will co-lead the program with Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D., associate director of cancer population sciences at the UF Health Cancer Center.
Qian is a talented molecular oncologist who Staras is an accomplished epidemiologist is on the leading edge of and implementation scientist studies of how changes who has had a large impact in the chemical in scholarship, teaching and modification of RNA Several key service at the University can contribute to leadership changes of Florida, Licht said. Her the development research on HPV vaccine of cancer, Licht position the center uptake is a critical feature said. His work to reach even greater of the center’s mission to has important heights in cancer prevent cancer occurrence implications for research and care. and lessen the burden of malignancies as cancer in our community. varied as acute leukemia to lung Timothy Spicer, Ph.D., senior cancer. scientific director and a professor of molecular medicine at The Herbert Stephanie Staras, Ph.D., a Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for population health scientist whose Biomedical Innovation & Technology, and research focuses on preventing human Jatinder Lamba, Ph.D., a professor in papillomavirus-related cancers, was the department of pharmacotherapy and named co-leader of the Cancer Control translational research and the associate and Population Sciences, or CCPS, dean for research and graduate education research program. in the UF College of Pharmacy, were named Staras, an associate professor and co-leaders of the Cancer Center’s new associate chair for faculty development in Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics, or the department of health outcomes and CTT, research program.
Zhijian Qian, Ph.D.
Stephanie Staras, Ph.D.
Timothy Spicer, Ph.D.
Jatinder Lamba, Ph.D.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 13
CANCER CENTER LEADERSHIP Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., Director Thomas George, M.D., FACP, Deputy Director Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D., Associate Director for Population Sciences Paul Crispen, M.D., Associate Director for Clinical Research Alison Ivey, R.N., M.B.A., O.C.N., CCRP, Associate Director for Administration Steven Madore, Ph.D., Associate Director for Shared Resources
Merry Jennifer Markham, M.D., FACP, FASCO, Associate Director for Medical Affairs Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Director for Translation and Innovation Rolf Renne, Ph.D., Associate Director for Basic Sciences
Jonathan D. Licht, M.D.
Luisel Ricks-Santi, Ph.D., Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
UF Health Jacksonville & UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
Halifax Health Medical Center
Dietmar Siemann, Ph.D., Associate Director for Education and Training Watson Clinic
Betsy Shenkman, Ph.D., Senior Adviser
Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D.
Jupiter Medical Center
Catchment Area ★
Barry Sleckman, M.D., Ph.D. Nicholas Ambulos, Ph.D. Albert Baldwin, Ph.D. John Crispino, Ph.D. Marvella Ford, Ph.D. David Gosky, M.A., M.B.A. Roy Herbst, M.D., Ph.D. Melinda Irwin, Ph.D., M.P.H. Kathleen Moore, M.D. Andrew Olshan, Ph.D. E. Stanley Richardson Yu Shyr, Ph.D. Gale Woloschak, Ph.D.
Thomas George, M.D., FACP
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Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D., Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement
EXTERNAL ADVISORY BOARD
Ji-Hyun Lee, DrPH, Associate Director for Cancer Quantitative Sciences
Locations
UF Health Cancer Center Academic Research Consortium Members
Paul Crispen, M.D.
Alison Ivey, R.N., M.B.A., O.C.N. CCRP
Broward Health Medical System
Steven Madore, Ph.D.
Broward Health North
Ji-Hyun Lee, DrPH
GAINESVILLE Cancer and Genetics Research Complex Located on the University of Florida campus, the Cancer and Genetics Research Complex is the base of operations for the UF Health Cancer Center in Gainesville. The center has a membership of more than 300 researchers and clinicians who provide cancer care and conduct research for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The UF Health Cancer Center delivers multidisciplinary cancer care using the most advanced drugs and treatment technologies, many of which are available only through clinical trials. F Health Davis Center Pavilion at the UF U Health Medical Plaza The UF Health Davis Cancer Pavilion houses several outpatient cancer services, such as radiation oncology, adult hematology and oncology, and outpatient infusion (chemotherapy). The Cancer and Genetics Research Complex is located across the street, making it easy for health professionals caring for patients to collaborate with scientists exploring cancer at the cellular, molecular and genetic levels. UF Health Shands Hospital UF Health Shands Hospital is a private, notfor-profit hospital that specializes in tertiary care for critically ill patients. UF Health Shands
Merry Jennifer Markham, M.D., FACP, FASCO
Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D.
Hospital is one of the most comprehensive hospitals and one of the leading referral medical centers in the Southeast. It is home to several specialties with a cancer focus, including urology, radiology, colorectal cancer surgery, breast cancer surgery and cellular therapy/bone marrow transplant.
UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
Located across the street from UF Health Shands Hospital, this 500,000-square-foot facility houses 192 private inpatient beds for a variety of patients, including those receiving diagnostic and therapeutic oncology services. The UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital also offers solid tumor inpatient services as well as bone marrow cellular therapy transplant, and includes a critical care center for emergency and trauma-related services. UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is dedicated to pediatric services, including those related to pediatric cancer, and is located within UF Health Shands Hospital. The hospital’s pediatric hematology and cancer unit is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast, offering the full spectrum of services and delivering the highest level of care for cancer and blood problems, including leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, solid tumors, nonmalignant hematology and stem cell/marrow transplant, in infants, children and adolescents.
Luisel Ricks-Santi, Ph.D.
UF Health Springhill is a four-story, 108,000square-foot multispecialty medical facility serving Northwest Gainesville. Its specialties include surgical oncology and dermatology, as well as women’s health and diagnostic imaging.
JACKSONVILLE
UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital
Rolf Renne, Ph.D.
UF Health Springhill
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, staffed by UF department of radiation oncology physicians, is the only proton facility located in the state of Florida that has achieved accreditation by the American College of Radiology. Since its opening, more than 11,000 patients have been treated with proton therapy at the institute. The UF Proton Therapy Institute includes clinics for the pre- and post-therapy and on-treatment evaluation of cancer patients, planning suites, an infusion and anesthesia suite, psychosocial services, a research office and faculty offices.
JUPITER he Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute T for Biomedical Innovation & Technology The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology advances human health through biomedical research, drug discovery and clinical studies, while providing outstanding educational opportunities to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. Faculty work across disciplines to pursue scientific innovations that lead to life-changing advances.
Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D.
Dietmar Siemann, Ph.D.
Betsy Shenkman, Ph.D.
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One of the great benefits of receiving cancer care at an academic health center like UF Health is access to the most advanced medical research, treatments and technologies. Our clinician-scientists participate in research that has a direct impact on improved patient outcomes and allows patients access to the very latest cancerfighting technologies and drugs. Activities and programs are acutely focused on early-stage translational research that applies findings to clinical trials, resulting in improved patient care. Our leadership works with lab-based faculty to develop new ideas to collaborate on innovative cancer treatments and therapies.
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
discover 16 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
FINDING TOMORROW’S ANSWERS F O R T O D AY ’ S PAT I E N T S The overarching goal of the UF Health Cancer Center is to improve cancer outcomes. We aim to accomplish this, in part, by promoting research in cancer mechanisms, developing and conducting interventional clinical trials addressing the most prevalent cancers that affect our patients and improving our understanding of the determinants of cancer outcomes in rural, underserved and older adult patients. We are committed to interdisciplinary basic discovery and translational research, and the pursuit of scientific endeavors that have near-term clinical applications. The research priorities of the Cancer Center cut across and align with our research programs: CANCER CONTROL AND POPULATION SCIENCES CANCER TARGETING & THERAPEUTICS IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY AND MICROBIOME MECHANISMS OF ONCOGENESIS
91,608
17
$33.9
$55
square feet of research space
U.S. patents issued relating to cancer**
NIH/NCI direct cost funding
total cancer-relevant project direct costs
million
million
**Numbers represent data for 2023
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Research Headlines
New role of RBM33 found in head and neck cancer cell growth
Researchers find link between asthma and cancer risk Patients with asthma are almost one-and-a-half times more likely to develop cancer than those who do not have the respiratory disease, UF Health Cancer Center researchers found. The study, supported by the Cancer Informatics Shared Resource at the UF Health Cancer Center, analyzed the data of thousands of patients in the OneFlorida+ Clinical Research Network over an eightyear period. The researchers also found inhaled steroids had a protective effect. When analyzing the data by specific cancer type, cancer risk was elevated for patients with asthma who did not use steroids for nine of 13 cancers analyzed.
A University of Florida research team discovered a new role of a key protein in driving changes in the genetic material of cells, which has the potential to contribute to the development of cancer. “We found that two proteins play an important role in tumor growth in head and neck cancer by forming a complex with each other and regulating RNA m6A demethylation,” said lead author Zhijian Qian, Ph.D., co-leader of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Mechanisms of Oncogenesis research program. “We further demonstrated that suppressing either protein could significantly inhibit head and neck cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo in mice, indicating that the proteins could be therapeutic targets for these cancers.”
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Zhijian Qian, Ph.D.
RNA discovery could provide basis for new lung cancer therapeutics UF Health Cancer Center researchers discovered how erasing an abundant modification known as m6A on a particular type of abundant non-coding RNA could inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells. “We found that removing these m6A caused lung cancer cells to encounter a problem in transcription, meaning they lose the ability to grow,” said Mingyi Xie, Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology in the UF College of Medicine who led the study. “This finding provides the molecular basis for potential therapeutics that modulate this type of RNA to treat lung cancer.”
Powerful cancer-targeting compound shows promise in breast cancer University of Florida medicinal chemists and cancer biologists created a chemical compound that powerfully and selectively helped cells dispose of proteins that cause cancer cells to grow. In laboratory testing in breast cancer cells, the compound, known as YX968, demonstrated effectiveness in targeting unwanted proteins in cancer cells and recycling them from the cell — all without harming healthy gene expression. The findings indicate this compound could be a powerful cancer-fighting tool that does not result in excess toxicity.
Info booklet helps older women decide whether to continue mammography
A decision aid in the form of an informative booklet can help women ages 75 years and older to determine whether it is a good idea to continue with breast cancer screening, a pilot study suggests. A group led by Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D., associate director for population sciences at the UF Health Cancer Center, found that their aid, a booklet that presents clinician perspectives on screening mammography, helped better inform older women about breast cancer risk, as well as the potential benefits and harms of continued screening.
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Mutations in blood stem cells can exacerbate colon cancer
Using patients’ genetic profile to inform AML treatment could help reduce racial disparities
Researchers led by Olga Guryanova, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of pharmacology and therapeutics in the UF College of Medicine, discovered how common age-related changes in the blood system can make certain colon cancers grow faster. The study, named one of the best articles of the year by the Journal of Experimental Medicine, also suggests how these effects might be therapeutically targeted to reduce tumor growth and improve patient survival. The findings, for the first time, solidify the causal relationship between clonal hematopoiesis and the severity of solid tumors and identify potential therapeutic strategies.
In a new study led by Jatinder Lamba, Ph.D., co-leader of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics research program, a multigene metric known as ACS10 revealed a close link between genetic factors and racial disparities in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia outcomes. Researchers say using the metric to optimize treatment approaches for each patient could lead to better outcomes, particularly among Black children. The study was featured during the press program at the 2023 American Society of Hematology 65th Annual Meeting & Exposition.
Sotorasib shows meaningful anti-cancer activity in patients with KRAS G12Cmutated metastatic pancreatic cancer
20 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
UF Health was a study location for a multicenter phase 1-2 trial showing that the KRAS G12C inhibitor sotorasib successfully shrank some patients’ cancers with an acceptable safety profile in heavily pretreated patients with KRAS G12C-mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer. Thomas George, M.D., FACP, deputy director of the UF Health Cancer Center, was a co-author on the study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The study population comprised 38 patients across multiple centers.
Thomas George, M.D., FACP
Climbing a new path allows chemists to ascend cancer’s steepest research challenges The cancer gene MYC has been called the “Mount Everest” of cancer research because of the difficulty of designing medications that can disable it, and the expectation that an effective MYC drug could help so many cancer patients. A collaboration including The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology has climbed that peak. The scientists’ approach directs cells’ recycling enzymes to cancer genes’ RNA and cuts up key segments to prevent them from doing harm. The tactic worked against the MYC cancer gene and two other challenging cancer genes, JUN and MIR155.
Researchers’ genetic detection discovery has implications for medical diagnostic testing
University of Florida researchers led by Piyush K. Jain, Ph.D., a Shah Rising Star assistant professor of chemical engineering, found a new use for “genetic scissors” to detect RNA, a discovery that could lead to faster, more accurate and less expensive diagnostic tests for diseases like cancer. The genetic scissors are a protein complex known as CRISPR-Cas12a. Previously, it had only been known to bind and cleave DNA, a molecule that holds life-giving genetic codes. Knowing that the genetic scissors can also bind RNA — the genetic cousin to DNA — gives scientists a crucial shortcut for designing future medical diagnostic tests.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 21
Cancer Control & Population Sciences (CCPS)
Research Programs In 2023, the UF Health Cancer Center expanded its research programs to strengthen the impact of cancer research and meet the needs of an expanding membership. The expansion will make it easier and faster for investigators to directly apply their discoveries to clinical care, for the ultimate benefit of patients and community members. The expansion is part of the center’s continued development as a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. The new programs will deepen the center’s collaboration with
colleagues at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, leveraging leading-edge technology such as robot-assisted drug discovery to complement pharmacogenomics research at UF. At the same time, it will bring together experts who are conducting research across the immunotherapy spectrum, from the brain to the gut microbiome. The research priorities of the UF Health Cancer Center cut across and align with these four research programs:
Mission To understand and reduce cancer risks and cancer-related burden within the UF Health Cancer Center’s catchment area. Program Co-Leaders Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D. Stephanie Staras, Ph.D. Membership 110 members from 11 colleges and 38 departments/schools Aims n Elucidate Molecular, Behavioral, Social, Environmental and Other Risk Factors in Cancer Incidence and Mortality n Develop and Evaluate Primary and Secondary Cancer Prevention Interventions n Address the Unique Needs of Cancer Survivors
Research Program Leadership Dejana Braithwaite Ph.D.
22 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
Christian Jobin Ph.D.
Jatinder Lamba Ph.D.
Zhijian Qian Ph.D.
Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics (CTT)
Immuno-Oncology and Microbiome (IOM)
Mechanisms of Oncogenesis (MOO)
Mission To accelerate discovery, development and clinical translation of targeted small molecule and biotherapies. Program Co-Leaders Jatinder Lamba, Ph.D. Timothy Spicer, Ph.D.
Mission To improve cancer outcomes through innovative therapeutic research on microbiome-immunotherapy interactions influencing epithelial and immune cell function, engaging clinicians and basic scientists to partner on innovative investigator-initiated trials.
Mission: To elucidate the genetic and epigenetic events dysregulated during neoplastic transformation and malignant progression to identify new cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Membership 104 members from 6 colleges and 30 departments/schools
Program Co-Leaders Christian Jobin, Ph.D. Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D.
Aims n Discover and Develop Targeted Therapeutics Engaging Key Cancer Pathways n Identify and Develop Novel Biomarkers, Assays, Materials and Methods to Improve Therapeutic Outcomes n Apply Novel Concepts for Improvement of Cancer Therapy through Translation
Membership 51 members from 7 colleges and 16 departments/schools
Program Co-Leaders: Zhijian Qian, Ph.D. Lizi Wu, Ph.D. Membership 65 members from 8 colleges and 27 departments/schools
Aims n Elucidate Principles of Cancer Immunobiology Relevant to Developing or Improving Immuno-Oncology Therapeutics n Define Microbiome Contribution to Cancer Development, Therapeutics and Immunoactivity n Translate Scientific Discoveries into Early-Phase Clinical Trials
Aims n Elucidate the Role of Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations in Cancer n Define the Role of Regulatory MicroRNAs and Long Noncoding RNAs in Oncogenesis n Translate MOO Discoveries into Novel Therapeutic Approaches
$1.8 MILLION RESEARCH TRAINING AWARDS Elias Sayour M.D., Ph.D.
Timothy Spicer Ph.D.
Stephanie Staras Ph.D.
Lizi Wu Ph.D.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 23
Selected Publications Authored by UF Health Cancer Center Members in 2023. For a complete list, contact UF Health Cancer Center Research Administration.
In 2014, the UF Health Cancer Center, along with Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, joined forces to create the Florida Academic Cancer Center Alliance, or FACCA. In 2023, the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center also joined the alliance. FACCA was created to address the unique cancer burden of the state of Florida by expediting cancer research and maximizing the state investment in biotechnology. The alliance encourages and promotes collaborative research conducted by researchers at its partnering institutions and supports workshops and meetings to encourage the exchange of information and networking among researchers. In March 2023, Sylvester hosted an annual retreat to connect cancer researchers and showcase the newest and most innovative scientific updates. Cancer center leaders, physicians and investigators — many with research funded through FACCA — attended the retreat. Investigators shared the latest data on population science, the tumor microenvironment, cancer epigenetics and tumor biology, as well as precision cancer therapy. The collaboration helps to ensure quality research, as the centers that make up FACCA adhere to the ideals set forward federally through the NCI, said Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., FACCA co-director and director of the UF Health Cancer Center. “We are dedicated to promulgating the best cancer care possible through research, through basic research, populationbased research and therapeutic research,” Licht said. “We use very heavily vetted and heavily peer-reviewed mechanisms to fund the very best research, to assure rigor and reproducibility in our research findings and to assure the public we’re conducting clinical trials in the most efficacious and safe way.” FACCA also releases yearly research funding announcements for a wide variety of cancer-related research projects. All researchers must be located at one of the partnering institutions. All alliance-funded research is conducted by Florida-based scientists and reflects the mission to attract and expand the state’s research capabilities to address the public health challenges of cancer.
Strickler JH, Satake H, George TJ, Yaeger R, Hollebecque A, Garrido-Laguna I, Schuler M, Burns TF, Coveler AL, Falchook GS, Vincent M, Sunakawa Y, Dahan L, Bajor D, Rha SY, Lemech C, Juric D, Rehn M, Ngarmchamnanrith G, Jafarinasabian P, Tran Q, Hong DS. Sotorasib in KRAS p.G12C-mutated advanced pancreatic cancer. N Engl J Med. 2023 Jan 5;388(1):33-43. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2208470. Epub 2022 Dec 21. PubMed PMID: 36546651; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10506456.
Fu S, Yao S, Yuan Y, Previs RA, Elias AD, Carvajal RD, George TJ, Yuan Y, Yu L, Westin SN, Xing Y, Dumbrava EE, Karp DD, Piha-Paul SA, Tsimberidou AM, Ahnert JR, Takebe N, Lu K, Keyomarsi K, Meric-Bernstam F. Multicenter phase II trial of the WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib in refractory solid tumors harboring CCNE1 amplification. J Clin Oncol. 2023 Mar 20;41(9):1725-1734. doi: 10.1200/ JCO.22.00830. Epub 2022 Dec 5. PubMed PMID: 36469840; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10489509.
Naggie S, Boulware DR, Lindsell CJ, Stewart TG, Slandzicki AJ, Lim SC, Cohen J, Kavtaradze D, Amon AP, Gabriel A, Gentile N, Felker GM, Jayaweera D, McCarthy MW, Sulkowski M, Rothman RL, Wilson S, DeLong A, Remaly A, Wilder R, Collins S, Dunsmore SE, Adam SJ, Thicklin F, Hanna GJ, Ginde AA, Castro M, McTigue K, Shenkman E, Hernandez AF; Accelerating Covid-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV)-6 Study Group and Investigators. Effect of higher-dose ivermectin for 6 days vs placebo on time to sustained recovery in outpatients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2023 Mar 21;329(11):888-897. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.1650. PubMed PMID: 36807465; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9941969.
Hohl SD, Matulewicz RS, Salloum RG, Ostroff JS, Baker TB, Schnoll R, Warren G, Bernstein SL, Minion M, Lenhoff K, Dahl N, Juon HS, Tsosie U, Fleisher L, D’Angelo H, Ramsey AT, Ashing KT, Rolland B, Nolan MB, Bird JE, Nguyen CVT, Pauk D, Adsit RT, Tindle HA, Shoenbill K, Yeung S, Presant CA, Wiseman KP, Wen KY, Chichester LA, Chen LS. Integrating tobacco treatment into oncology care: reach and effectiveness of evidence-based tobacco treatment across National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers. J Clin Oncol. 2023 May 20;41(15):2756-2766. doi: 10.1200/ JCO.22.00936. Epub 2022 Dec 6. PubMed PMID: 36473135; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10331951.
Seath CP, Burton AJ, Sun X, Lee G, Kleiner RE, MacMillan DWC, Muir TW. Tracking chromatin state changes using nanoscale photo-proximity labelling. Nature. 2023 Apr;616(7957):574-580. doi: 10.1038/ s41586-023-05914-y. Epub 2023 Apr 5. PubMed PMID: 37020029; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10408239. Singh Ospina N, Brito JP. Novel assessment of epigenetic imprinting biomarkers for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2023 Mar;20(3):139-140. doi: 10.1038/s41571-022-00720-3. PubMed PMID: 36646815; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10102957.
Basch E, Dueck AC, Mitchell SA, Mamon H, Weiser M, Saltz L, Gollub M, Rogak L, Ginos B, Mazza GL, Colgrove B, Chang G, Minasian L, Denicoff A, Thanarajasingam G, Musher B, George TJ, Venook A, Farma J, O’Reilly E, Meyerhardt JA, Shi Q, Schrag D. Patient-reported outcomes during and after treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer in the PROSPECT Trial (Alliance N1048). J Clin Oncol. 2023 Jul 20;41(21):3724-3734. doi: 10.1200/JCO.23.00903. Epub 2023 Jun 4. PubMed PMID: 37270691; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10351948. Hall WA, Li J, You YN, Gollub MJ, Grajo JR, Rosen M, dePrisco G, Yothers G, Dorth JA, Rahma OE, Russell MM, Gross HM, Jacobs SA, Faller BA, George S, Al Baghdadi T, Had-
*UF Health Cancer Center affiliates highlighted orange/bold. 24 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
dock MG, Valicenti R, Hong TS, George TJ. Prospective correlation of magnetic resonance tumor regression grade with pathologic outcomes in total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma. J Clin Oncol. 2023 Oct 10;41(29):4643-4651. doi: 10.1200/JCO.22.02525. Epub 2023 Jul 21. PubMed PMID: 37478389; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10564288. Liu Z, Chen K, Dai J, Xu P, Sun W, Liu W, Zhao Z, Bennett SP, Li P, Ma T, Lin Y, Kawakami A, Yu J, Wang F, Wang C, Li M, Chase P, Hodder P, Spicer TP, Scampavia L, Cao C, Pan L, Dong J, Chen Y, Yu B, Guo M, Fang P, Fisher DE, Wang J. A unique hyperdynamic dimer interface permits small molecule perturbation of the melanoma oncoprotein MITF for melanoma therapy. Cell Res. 2023 Jan;33(1):55-70. doi: 10.1038/s41422022-00744-5. Epub 2023 Jan 2. PubMed PMID: 36588115; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9810709. Lee B, Jones EK, Manohar M, Li L, Yadav D, Conwell DL, Hart PA, Vege SS, Fogel EL, Serrano J, Andersen D, Bellin MD, Topazian MD, Van Den Eeden SK, Pandol SJ, Forsmark CE, Fisher WE, Park WG, Husain SZ, Habtezion A; Consortium for the Study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer (CPDPC). Distinct serum immune profiles define the spectrum of acute and chronic pancreatitis from the multicenter Prospective Evaluation of Chronic Pancreatitis for Epidemiologic and Translational Studies (PROCEED) Study. Gastroenterology. 2023 Jul;165(1):173-186. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.03.236. Epub 2023 Apr 14. PubMed PMID: 37061168; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10330331. Braithwaite D … Karanth SD… et al. The global, regional, and national burden of adult lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancer in 204 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2019. JAMA Oncol. 2023 Oct 1;9(10):1401-1416. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.2960. PubMed PMID: 37676656; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10485745. Gao Y, Wang Y, Chauss D, Villarino AV, Link VM, Nagashima H, Spinner CA, Koparde VN, Bouladoux N, Abers MS, Break TJ, Chopp LB, Park JH, Zhu J, Wiest DL, Leonard WJ, Lionakis MS, O’Shea JJ, Afzali B, Belkaid Y, Lazarevic V. Transcription factor EGR2 controls homing and pathogenicity of TH17 cells in the central nervous system. Nat Immunol. 2023 Aug;24(8):1331-1344. doi: 10.1038/s41590-02301553-7. Epub 2023 Jul 13. PubMed PMID: 37443284; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10500342. Helm EY, Zelenka T, Cismasiu VB, Islam S, Silvane L, Zitti B, Holmes TD, Drashansky TT, Kwiatkowski AJ, Tao C, Dean J, Obermayer AN, Chen X, Keselowsky BG, Zhang W, Huo Z, Zhou L, Sheridan BS, Conejo-Garcia
JR, Shaw TI, Bryceson YT, Avram D. Bcl11b sustains multipotency and restricts effector programs of intestinal-resident memory CD8+ T cells. Sci Immunol. 2023 Apr 28;8(82):eabn0484. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn0484. Epub 2023 Apr 28. PubMed PMID: 37115913; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10231135. Gupta S, Dai Y, Chen Z, Winestone LE, Teachey DT, Bona K, Aplenc R, Rabin KR, Zweidler-McKay P, Carroll AJ, Heerema NA, Gastier-Foster J, Borowitz MJ, Wood BL, Maloney KW, Mattano LA Jr, Larsen EC, Angiolillo AL, Burke MJ, Salzer WL, Winter SS, Brown PA, Guest EM, Dunsmore KP, Kairalla JA, Winick NJ, Carroll WL, Raetz EA, Hunger SP, Loh ML, Devidas M. Racial and ethnic disparities in childhood and young adult acute lymphocytic leukaemia: secondary analyses of eight Children’s Oncology Group cohort trials. Lancet Haematol. 2023 Feb;10(2):e129-e141. doi: 10.1016/S23523026(22)00371-4. PubMed PMID: 36725118; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9951049. Helsley RN, Park SH, Vekaria HJ, Sullivan PG, Conroy LR, Sun RC, Romero MDM, Herrero L, Bons J, King CD, Rose J, Meyer JG, Schilling B, Kahn CR, Softic S. Ketohexokinase-C regulates global protein acetylation to decrease carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a-mediated fatty acid oxidation. J Hepatol. 2023 Jul;79(1):25-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.010. Epub 2023 Feb 21. PubMed PMID: 36822479; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10679901. Lee D, Gimple RC, Wu X, Prager BC, Qiu Z, Wu Q, Daggubati V, Mariappan A, Gopalakrishnan J, Sarkisian MR, Raleigh DR, Rich JN. Superenhancer activation of KLHDC8A drives glioma ciliation and hedgehog signaling. J Clin Invest. 2023 Jan 17;133(2):e163592. doi: 10.1172/JCI163592. PubMed PMID: 36394953; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9843063. Yu F, Qian Z. Mechanisms for regulation of RAS palmitoylation and plasma membrane trafficking in hematopoietic malignancies. J Clin Invest. 2023 Jun 15;133(12):e171104. doi: 10.1172/JCI171104. PubMed PMID: 37317974; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10266771. Yu C, Sheng Y, Yu F, Ni H, Qiu A, Huang Y, Qian Z. Foxm1 haploinsufficiency drives clonal hematopoiesis and promotes a stress-related transition to hematologic malignancy in mice. J Clin Invest. 2023 Aug 1;133(15):e163911. doi: 10.1172/JCI163911. PubMed PMID: 37526082; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10378147. Yu F, Zhu AC, Liu S, Gao B, Wang Y, Khudaverdyan N, Yu C, Wu Q, Jiang Y, Song J, Jin L, He C, Qian Z. RBM33 is a unique m6A RNA-binding protein that regulates ALKBH5 demethylase activity and substrate
selectivity. Mol Cell. 2023 Jun 15;83(12):2003-2019. e6. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.05.010. Epub 2023 May 30. PubMed PMID: 37257451; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10330838. Yang YM, Jung Y, Abegg D, Adibekian A, Carroll KS, Karbstein K. Chaperone-directed ribosome repair after oxidative damage. Mol Cell. 2023 May 4;83(9):1527-1537.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.03.030. Epub 2023 Apr 21. PubMed PMID: 37086725; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10164075. Esmaeeli R, Bauza A, Perez A. Structural predictions of protein-DNA binding: MELD-DNA. Nucleic Acids Res. 2023 Feb 28;51(4):1625-1636. doi: 10.1093/nar/ gkad013. PubMed PMID: 36727436; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9976882. Morozov VM, Riva A, Sarwar S, Kim WJ, Li J, Zhou L, Licht JD, Daaka Y, Ishov AM. HIRA-mediated loading of histone variant H3.3 controls androgen-induced transcription by regulation of AR/BRD4 complex assembly at enhancers. Nucleic Acids Res. 2023 Oct 27;51(19):10194-10217. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkad700. PubMed PMID: 37638746; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10602887. Xu H, Akinyemi IA, Haley J, McIntosh MT, Bhaduri-McIntosh S. ATM, KAP1 and the Epstein-Barr virus polymerase processivity factor direct traffic at the intersection of transcription and replication. Nucleic Acids Res. 2023 Nov 10;51(20):11104-11122. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkad823. PubMed PMID: 37852757; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10639065. Pritzlaff A, Ferre G, Dargassies E, Williams CO, Gonzalez DD, Eddy MT. Conserved protein-polymer interactions across structurally diverse polymers underlie alterations to protein thermal unfolding. ACS Cent Sci. 2023 Mar 14;9(4):685-695. doi: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01522. eCollection 2023 Apr 26. PubMed PMID: 37122463; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10146661. Zhang Y, Remillard D, Onubogu U, Karakyriakou B, Asiaban JN, Ramos AR, Bowland K, Bishop TR, Barta PA, Nance S, Durbin AD, Ott CJ, Janiszewska M, Cravatt BF, Erb MA. Collateral lethality between HDAC1 and HDAC2 exploits cancer-specific NuRD complex vulnerabilities. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2023 Aug;30(8):1160-1171. doi: 10.1038/s41594-02301041-4. Epub 2023 Jul 24. PubMed PMID: 37488358; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10529074.
905
Scientific Publications in 2023
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 25
Shared Resources The UF Health Cancer Center strives to provide cancer scientists with state-of-the-art technology and expertise to foster and facilitate outstanding cancer research.
Flow Cytometry and Confocal Microscopy Shared Resource (CYT-SR)
interpretation, and support for scientific publications and research grant applications n Identify and evaluate new instrumentation and ensure alignment of instrument capabilities with Cancer Center user needs based upon end-user, membership surveys and recommendations from the CYT-SR Scientific Advisory Group
Director Mariza Miranda, Ph.D.
n Multiparameter flow cytometry
Mission To provide UF Health Cancer Center members with cost-effective, state-of-the art flow cytometry and modern confocal microscopy expertise, instrumentation and services to support their research activities. Shared Resource Aims n Provide ready access to cost-effective, state-of-the-art flow cytometric analyses and sorting, live cell confocal microscopy services, and training and certification in self-use of flow and confocal microscopy instruments n Provide consultation on experimental design, assistance with data
CANCER I N F O R M AT I C S SHARED RESOURCE
Major Services n Live cell analysis and sorting of desired
cell populations from blood n Confocal microscopy with live cell
imaging n Instrument training, courses and
workshops n Expert consultations in experiment
design and preparation of research grant applications
Next-generation Sequencing Shared Resource (NGS-SR) Director Diansy Zincke, Ph.D.
Director: Jiang Bian, Ph.D. The Cancer Informatics Developing Shared Resource focuses on the development, application and evaluation of innovative informatics methods, models and tools with the goal of improving cancer outcomes across the cancer care continuum. The advancement of cancer prevention, diagnostics and treatments depends on clinical research and quality improvement efforts, as well as translational and broader population research. Cancer Informatics is equipped to provide expertise and collaboration for investigators across the University of Florida, with a priority on cancer-focused studies.
26 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
Mission To provide UF Health Cancer Center members with access to centralized, state-of-the art, cost-effective nextgeneration sequencing services to advance cancer research. Shared Resource Aims n Provide ready access to cost-effective,
state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing services n Provide consultation on experimental design, data interpretation and support for scientific publications and research grant applications n Identify and evaluate new instrumentation and ensure alignment of instrument capabilities with Cancer Center member needs based upon end-user feedback, member surveys and recommendations from the NGS-SR Scientific Advisory Group Major Services n Massively-parallel, high-throughput
whole genome sequencing n Library prep for genomic DNA/exome
analysis, epigenetics, microbiome studies and RNA-sequencing
Mission: To enhance scientific collaborations and stimulate transdisciplinary research, thereby enhancing research productivity. Shared Resource Aims: Cancer Informatics will play a crucial role in the success of the UF Health Cancer Center in increasing scientific impact and extramural funding by supporting investigators to: n Integrate, manage and use complex, heterogeneous, biomedical and clinical data; and, n Develop, design and implement eHealth/mHealth interventions for deployment in our catchment area.
n Expert consultations in effective use of
n Enhance transdisciplinary,
NGS technologies n Collaboration with the Biostatistics and Quantitative Sciences Shared Resource for streamlined data analysis of largescale genomic datasets n Instrument training and workshops
inter-programmatic research and collaborative team science n Support UF Health Cancer Center clinical trials, including participation in research study design and protocol review by the Scientific Review and Monitoring Committee and the Data Integrity and Safety Committee, thereby ensuring high-quality science, data integrity and patient safety n Educate Cancer Center faculty, staff and trainees in current “best practices” in biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology and artificial intelligence to ensure rigor and reproducibility. Assist Cancer Center members in developing rigorous protocols to comply with upcoming NIH guidelines for research data sharing
Biostatistics and Computational Biology (BCB-SR): Director Ji-Hyun Lee, DrPH Mission To provide Cancer Center members with a centralized resource for biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, clinical trial support and expertise in quantitative science to ensure scientific rigor in cancer research.
Major Services Biostatistics Support: •S tudy design, endpoint selection and sample size justification/power analysis •D ata management, database development, procedures for monitoring data quality and data analysis •U se of R Markdown/GitHub and SAS macros developed by the BCB-SR
n
Shared Resource Aims n Provide collaborative biostatistical, bioinformatics and computational biology support to Cancer Center members in research study design, data analysis, grant proposals and manuscript preparation
CRISPR FUNCTIONAL SCREENING DEVELOPING SHARED RESOURCE
CRISPR technology facilitates the precise editing of targeted regions of mammalian genomes and remains one of the key recent advances in biotechnology. The CRISPR Functional Screening Shared Resource offers UF Health Cancer Center researchers access to expertise in Cas9-mediated gene engineering in mammalian cells, as well as custom services for CRISPR-based whole-genome phenotypic screens. Mission: To provide the capabilities and expertise necessary to successfully use genomewide and targeted CRISPR screening approaches. To support the membership through functional screening capabilities and expertise through both general resource development and project/team specific assistance.
to increase the reproducibility and integrity of routine statistical analysis and reports • Assistance in grant preparation, manuscript writing and report generation • Development of novel statistical methods, tools or computer programs • Real-time data surveillance for trials, using R shiny apps • Seminars, walk-in clinics and short courses for members n Bioinformatics and Computational
Biology Support: • Analysis and annotation of highthroughput genomic assays • Assistance in the development of bioinformatic components of grant proposals, protocols and manuscripts • Development of analysis tools and pipelines for high-performance computing environments • Application of AI/machine/deep learning methods to multi-source high-dimensional data • Development of novel prediction models using -omics data platforms • Access to short courses for members, staff and trainees
Shared Resource Aims: n Provide the capabilities and expertise necessary to successfully
use genomewide and targeted CRISPR screening approaches. This is accomplished by providing screen-ready reagents for conducting the most commonly used genomewide CRISPR screens (e.g., Brunello library for gene disruption in humans, Brie library for gene disruption in mice) and selected cancerrelevant targeted CRISPR libraries. n Offer the design, development and production of customdesigned lentivirus-based screening libraries. CRISPR technology facilitates the precise editing of targeted regions of mammalian genomes and remains one of the key recent advances in biotechnology. 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 27
Selected Grants
n Sarah Judge, Ph.D.: “Matricellular
proteins of the CNN family as regulators of tumor-induced cachexia” (R01) n Kendall Nettles, Ph.D.: “Mechanisms
of estrogen receptor ligand signaling” (R01)
Awarded to UF Health Cancer Center members in 2023.
n Zhijian Qian, Ph.D.: “The role of
YTHDC1 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis” (R01); “The novel role and mechanism of RBM33 in leukemogenesis” (R01)
For a complete list, contact UF Health Cancer Center Research Administration.
n Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D.: “Sustainability
of tobacco cessation programs at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers” (R01; with Medical University of South Carolina); “Phone Enabled Implementation of Cessation Support (PHOENICS)” (R01; with George Mason University) n Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D.:
National Cancer Institute n Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D.: “Advancing
precision lung cancer surveillance and outcomes in diverse populations (PLuS2)” (R01; with Kaiser Permanente and Medical University of South Carolina) n Loic Deleyrolle, Ph.D.: “Optimizing
CAR T therapy via metabolic engineering for the treatment of GBM” (R21) n Florida-California Cancer Research,
Education and Engagement (CaRE2) Health Equity Center (U54 renewal) n Thomas George, M.D.: NCI-Sponsored
Clinical Trials Research Specialist (R50) n Kiley Graim, Ph.D.: “Leveraging
28 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
mammalian cancers, platinum-quality genome assemblies, and large-scale data to identify mechanisms of rare human cancers” (R01) n Jatinder Lamba, Ph.D.: “Integrated
systems biology of pediatric AML” (R01) n Jonathan D. Licht, M.D.: UF Health
Cancer Center Support Grant (P30); “Histone fold mutations in cancer pathogenesis” (R01); “Defining and targeting epigenetic plasticity-driven drug resistance and immune escape in melanoma” (R01; with Moffitt Cancer Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center) n Brian Law, Ph.D.: “HER1-3 and death
receptor protein folding as therapeutic vulnerabilities” (R21)
“Overcoming metastatic spread of osteosarcoma with RNA loaded nanoparticles” (R01) n Thomas Schmittgen, Ph.D., and
Fan Zhang, Ph.D.: “microRNA directed therapy for treating early stage pancreatic cancer” (R21) n Stephanie Staras, Ph.D.: “ReMARk:
A multi-level strategy to address disparities in rural HPV-related cancer prevention” (R01) n Yan Wang, Ph.D.: “Assessing benefits
and harms of medical cannabis and cannabinoid use in breast cancer patients during and after treatments” (U01; with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center)
n Mingyi Xie, Ph.D., and Jonathan D.
Licht, M.D.: “Exploring microRNA degradation in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia” (R01) n Lusine Yaghjyan, M.D., Ph.D.:
“Stromal contributions to breast carcinogenesis” (R01; with Cornell University) n Weizhou Zhang, Ph.D.: “Exploring
novel therapeutic strategies for combinatory therapy to treat renal clear cell carcinomas” (R01) National Institutes of Health n Thomas Kodadek, Ph.D.:
“Development of ubiquitinindependent degraders” (Transformative Research Award) n Mohammed Gbadamosi, Ph.D.:
“Decoding the heterogeneity in chemo-immunomodulation to unlock the potential of chemoimmunotherapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer” (NIH Director’s Early Career Independence Award)
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute n Jason Butler, Ph.D.: “Preserving
bone marrow niche integrity and function to rejuvenate aged hematopoietic stem cells” (R01) Florida Department of Health James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program n Brian Law, Ph.D. (breast cancer) n Daiqing Liao, Ph.D. (breast cancer) n Satya Narayan, Ph.D. (breast cancer) Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative n Steven Bruner, Ph.D. (pediatric cancers) n Jianping Huang, M.D., Ph.D. (pediatric gliomas) n Jordan Milner, M.D. (allogeneic stem cell transplantation) n Brent Reynolds, Ph.D. (glioblastoma)
Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research Program n Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D. (prostate cancer) n Brian Law, Ph.D. (breast cancer) n Lizi Wu, Ph.D. (lung cancer) n Chengguo Xing, Ph.D. (lung cancer) Leukemia & Lymphoma Society n Carma Bylund, Ph.D., Martina
Murphy, M.D., Stephanie Staras, Ph.D.: “Clinical trials education in GME: a needs assessment” UF Health Cancer Center Pilots AI n Rui Yin, Ph.D.: “Contrastive convolutional neural networks to predict high-confidence mRNAmiRNA pairs in colorectal cancer patients” n Xiangyang Lou, Ph.D.: “AI capabilities at the University of Florida to improve the quantification accuracy of magnetic particle imaging” Breast cancer n Noah Hammarlund, Ph.D.: “Creation of a polysocial risk score to aid adherence to guideline treatment among women with breast cancer” n Lina Cui, Ph.D.: “Chemical tracing of senescence during metastasis”
358
Active cancer-relevant projects in 2023
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 29
The UF Health Cancer Center’s clinical enterprise uses a comprehensive care model, with multidisciplinary cancer programs offering advanced treatment options, such as minimally invasive and robotic surgery, proton and intensity modulated radiotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy in conjunction with the Precision Cancer Care Program, as well as access to clinical trials with limited availability elsewhere.
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
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A TE A M A P P ROAC H TO C A N C E R T R E AT M E N T The UF Health Cancer Center is a state-designated Cancer Center of Excellence. The designation by the Florida Legislature recognizes hospitals and treatment centers that demonstrate excellence in patient-centered coordinated care for people undergoing cancer treatment and chemotherapy. UF Health is designated as a Center of Excellence for myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and pancreatic cancers. The UF Health Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program is one of 20 core centers nationwide that comprise the NHLBI/NCI Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network. The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is one of the few proton facilities in the country that have achieved accreditation by the American College of Radiology. It is internationally recognized as a cancer care destination for pediatric radiation oncology patients. The UF Health Breast Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and is the first in the state to offer intraoperative radiation therapy using Intrabeam®.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and now I’m the one smiling. I owe my life to UF Health.” — COURTNEY, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 31
PLANNING AHEAD C O U R T N E Y H A S A LWAYS B E E N A P L A N N E R , even as a child. She would go on to earn three degrees at the University of Central Florida’s then-new Rosen College of Hospitality Management, in lodging, hotel and restaurant management, event management and hospitality management. In 2007, at just 20 years old, Courtney discovered a lump in her right breast. After a lumpectomy was performed, she was told it was precancerous and could be a concern in the future. Over a decade later, Courtney was living out her dreams. But her fastpaced, fulfilling hospitality career came to a quick halt when she received news no one in their early 30s expects to hear: “You have cancer.” ‘IT WAS TERRIFYING’ In August 2021, Courtney was on a trip with friends in Sedona, Arizona, when she realized something was wrong. Her sister walked on her back to crack it, as they often did, when Courtney felt and heard a cyst in her breast rupture.
A PAT I EN T ’ S J O U R N EY 32 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
of my friends knew a breast doctor in Orlando who was able to rush me in for a second opinion.”
caption
The next morning, her entire breast was bruised, engorged and painful. They returned home that day and when Courtney consulted with family, her father took her straight to the emergency room. She was diagnosed with cellulitis and prescribed antibiotics. “While taking the antibiotics, I wasn’t recovering as expected, and my breast was extremely inflamed, painful, hot to the touch and started swelling again — to the point of protruding from my breast,” Courtney said. “Luckily, one
The fluid from Courtney’s cyst acted as something similar to a magnifying glass, so when doctors took another ultrasound, they had a much better view. They performed an ultrasoundguided biopsy, which detected a cancerous condition known as DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ. Courtney was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer and advised to have more tests done. In December 2021, Courtney moved back to Gainesville, where she entered the UF Health system via an appointment with Lisa Spiguel, M.D., section chief of breast surgery in the department of surgery and clinical director of the UF Health Breast Center. Courtney had a mammogram, an MRI and a PET scan. The diagnosis was worse: stage 3 invasive capillary breast cancer. “When I got the stage 0 diagnosis, I had no words and felt like I was floating out of body. But when we discovered it was actually stage 3, I remember breaking down in the doctor’s office, crying uncontrollably. I knew my treatment
was going to be so much more aggressive and that my chances of survival were lower,” she said. “It was terrifying.” ROAD TO RECOVERY On Jan. 13, 2022, Courtney started a four-month chemotherapy regimen. Because her type of cancer was fueled by hormones, she began taking hormone blockers, in addition to a monthly shot in the stomach and a nightly pill to induce medical menopause, which she will take for the next 5 to 10 years. Courtney had allergic reactions to chemotherapy, going into anaphylactic shock twice. After oncologist Karen Daily, D.O., tweaked her “chemo cocktail,” they moved forward without further complications. The chemo worked, although not as well as doctors had hoped. The tumor and the cancer in her lymph nodes had shrunk, but not to the degree expected. Courtney quickly moved forward with a mastectomy on her right breast on June 8, 2022.
“The surgery was successful, but recovery was hell, to say the least,” Courtney said. “I had multiple drains in place, required around-the-clock care, and I couldn’t take care of myself for three weeks. I couldn’t lift my arm, could barely move and slept in a recliner.” Surgery removed all of the cancer and her prognosis is promising. She’s back to making her clients smile. The girl who always loved a plan still does. In October 2022, Courtney started oral chemotherapy, which she will take for at least two years. This, combined with her medically induced menopause, are treatments aimed at helping to keep cancer from recurring. “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and now I’m the one smiling,” Courtney said. “I owe my life to UF Health.”
“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and now I’m the one smiling. I owe my life to UF Health.”
—Kristin Zupanic
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 33
Clinical Research T H E M I S S I O N of the UF Health Cancer Center Clinical Research Office, or CRO, is to help deliver new and promising cancer treatments that improve the lives of our patients at the UF Health Cancer Center. The CRO provides support to our clinical investigators for the development and implementation of cancer clinical trials — facilitating the conduct of high-quality clinical research while adhering to the highest ethical standards and maintaining compliance with all governing bodies.
ABOUT THE CLINICAL RESEARCH OFFICE The UF Health Cancer Center Clinical Research Office is committed to supporting clinical research addressing the complex needs of the catchment area and the patients we serve, with an emphasis on providing access to novel therapies. The office provides comprehensive resources
to investigators for the efficient conduct of cancer clinical research with representative inclusion of minorities, women, children and older adults. The clinical research program consists of the CRO and 10 disease-specific working groups (e.g., thoracic, GI, GU, neuro-oncology, hematologic malignancies). It also supports an experimental therapeutics group for early-phase clinical trials, as well as the Cancer Control and Population Sciences group. These two groups support trials that may be relevant to patients across several different cancer types. There is also a specific group focused on the research opportunities for pediatric cancer patients. Additionally, the CRO provides clinical trial support for other institutions in Florida as part of the Academic Research Consortium.
C L I N I C A L R E S E A R C H O F F I C E STAT S 2021
2022
2023
New Studies
53
76
81
Interventional Accruals
4,956
7,300
2,666
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AC ADEM IC RESE ARCH CONSORTIUM SITES I NCLUDE: • Broward Health Medical System (Fort Lauderdale) • Broward Health North (Deerfield Beach) • Halifax Health Medical Center (Daytona Beach) • Jupiter Medical Center (Jupiter) • Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center (Tallahassee) • UF Health Jacksonville Cancer Center (Jacksonville) • Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center (Lakeland)
240
103
81
active trials in 2023
trials open to patient enrollment at year end 2023
new trials in 2023
(171 interventional, 139 treatment studies)
CLINICAL RESEARCH OFFICE LEADERSHIP
Paul Crispen, M.D.
Erin Monari, Ph.D., CCRP
Ashley Anderson, M.B.A., ACRP-CP
Paul Crispen, M.D. Associate Director for Clinical Research George Kim, M.D. Medical Director Erin Monari, Ph.D., CCRP Administrative Director
39 disease sites being studied
30 years in operation
George Kim, M.D.
Kiara N. Calbart, M.P.H.
Ashley Anderson, M.B.A., ACRP-CP Assistant Director, Clinical Research Administration and Compliance Kiara N. Calbart, M.P.H. Assistant Director, Clinical Research Administration and Finance
4 main areas of focus:
1. Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant and Hematologic Malignancies 2. Adult Solid Tumors 3. Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 4. Experimental Therapeutics/Phase 1
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 35
Highlights I N 2 0 2 3 , the Cancer Center realized various accomplishments in alignment with its cancer clinical research mission: to deliver new and promising cancer treatments to improve the lives of the patients at the UF Health Cancer Center. The center supported 739 accruals in cancer clinical trials. Enrollments to treatment trials remained strong at 315. By the end of 2023, 79% of all eligible cancer clinical research staff were research certified through either the Society of Clinical Research Associates or the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. The UF Health Cancer Center is a member of the National Cancer Institute’s Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trial Network, bringing new therapies directly to UF Health Cancer Center patients from other top cancer centers around the country.
SELECTING B E S T- S U I T E D CLINICAL TRIALS
The UF Health Cancer Center has 13 Disease Site Groups, 10 disease-specific, one pediatric and two disease-agnostic, that consist of research and clinical leaders. Each Disease Site Group is charged with developing and maintaining a portfolio of trials that brings forward scientific hypotheses developed in the Cancer Center research programs and is relevant to the Cancer Center’s catchment area. All newly proposed interventional trials must be endorsed first by the appropriate Disease Site Group. During the first stage of review, Disease Site Groups emphasize prioritization, catchment area and clinical needs. In 2023, the Disease Site Groups reviewed 180 interventional trials, only 32 of which were endorsed. This demonstrates that the Disease Site Groups are highly selective in bringing only the best-suited clinical trial options forward for patients.
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N EW ONCOLOGISTS
WELCOMING NINE NEW ONCOLOGISTS
Tarik Benidir, M.D.
Alexandra De Leo, M.D.
David Iglesias, M.D.
Jason Joseph, M.D.
George Kim, M.D.
Jennifer Fieber, M.D.
Serendipity Rinonos, M.D., Ph.D.
Aditya Shirali, M.D.
William B. Weir, M.D.
Jason Joseph, M.D. Tarik Benidir, M.D. Previous institution: Cleveland Clinic Ohio Previous institution: Mayo Clinic Specialty: Urology Specialty: Urology Alexandra De Leo, M.D. Previous institution: University of Florida Specialty: Radiation oncology David Iglesias, M.D. Previous institution: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Specialty: Gynecologic oncology
George Kim, M.D. Previous institution: George Washington University Cancer Center Specialty: Gastrointestinal oncology Jennifer Fieber, M.D. Previous institution: University of Pennsylvania Specialty: Surgical oncology
Serendipity Rinonos, M.D., Ph.D. Previous institution: University of California Los Angeles Specialty: Neurosurgery Aditya Shirali, M.D. Previous institution: MD Anderson Cancer Center Specialty: Surgical oncology William B. Weir, M.D. Previous institution: University of Michigan Specialty: Thoracic surgery
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 37
Selected Clinical Trials STUDY TITLE
PI NAME
PHASE
NCT NUMBER
Phase I/II Study of Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Epidiferphane and Taxanes in Breast Cancer Patients
Heldermon, Coy, D
Phase I/II
NCT05074290
Pembrolizumab vs. Observation in People With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Who Had a Pathologic Comp
Daily Weinstein, Karen, C
Phase III
NCT05812807
Pembrolizumab and Recombinant Interleukin-12 in Treating Patients With Solid Tumors
George, Thomas, J
Phase I
NCT03030378
Atezolizumab Plus Tivozanib in Immunologically Cold Tumor Types
Chatzkel, Jonathan
Phase I/II
NCT05000294
PROMOTE-UP Florida Study
Dallery, Jesse
N/A
NCT05415761
Social Media Anti-Vaping Messages to Reduce ENDS Use Among Sexual and Gender Minority Teens
Salloum, Ramzi, George
N/A
Doonan, Bently, P
Early Phase I
NCT05264974
Study of XL092 in Comb. with Immuno-Oncology Agents in Subjects With Solid Tumors (STELLAR-002)
Chatzkel, Jonathan
Phase I
NCT05176483
Phase 2 Study to Evaluate Pembrolizumab Plus Lenvatinib in Combo w/ Belzutifan in Solid Tumors
George, Thomas, J
Phase II
NCT04976634
Testing the Addition of Total Ablative Therapy to Usual Systemic Therapy for Limited mCRC(ERASur)
Hitchcock, Kathryn, E
Phase III
NCT05673148
Testing the Use of Chemotherapy After Surgery for High-Risk Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Ramnaraign, Brian, H
Phase II
NCT05040360
mFOLFIRINOX vs. FOLFOX With Nivolumab for First-Line Tx of Metastatic HER2- GE Adendocarcinoma
Sahin, Ilyas
Phase III
NCT05677490
Intervention Using Technology to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Disparities
Lok, Benjamin
Phase III
NCT03407417
BREAST
EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
CANCER POPULATION SCIENCE
CUTANEOUS Novel RNA-Nanoparticle Vaccine for Treatment of Early Melanoma Recurrence Following Adjuvant Anti-PD EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
GASTROINTESTINAL
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STUDY TITLE
PI NAME
PHASE
NCT NUMBER
Addition of Pembrolizumab to Usual Intravesical Gemcitabine for Treatment of BCG-Unresponsive NMIBC
Crispen, Paul, Luther
Phase II
NCT04164082
Genomic-Risk Stratified Txs for Unfavorable Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer (Guidance)
Ramnaraign, Brian, H
Phase III
NCT05050084
A Study of TAR-200 in Combination With Cetrelimab and Cetrelimab Alone in Pts w/ MIBC
Crispen, Paul, Luther
Phase II
NCT04919512
Effect of Position and Anesthetic Choice in IOP in Robotic GYN Oncology Patients
Mehta, Sonia, D
N/A
NCT04281017
Comparing Two Surgical Procedures in Individuals with Ovarian Cancer+BRCA1 Mutations(SOROCk)
Iglesias, David
N/A
NCT04251052
Dagan, Roi; Hitchcock, Kathryn, E
Phase II
NCT05268614
GENITOURINARY
GYNECOLOGICAL TUMOR
HEAD & NECK Risk Adapted De-Intensification of Radio-Chemotherapy for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma MALIGNANT HEMATOLOGY Improving risk assessment of AML with a Precision Genomic Strategy
Al-Mansour, Zeina
Phase II
NCT02756962
A Multi-Center, Open-Label, Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Anti-Tumor Activity
Dean, Erin
Phase I/II
NCT04673617
Ph2, Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of GPC 100 and Propranolol With and Without G-CSF for t
Hiemenz, John, W
Phase II
NCT05561751
Phase I/II trial: Engineered Donor Graft (Orca Q) for Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT)
Milner, Jordan
Phase I/II
NCT05322850
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin and Post-Induction Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With High-Risk B-ALL, Mix
Slayton, William, B
Phase III
NCT03959085
PNOC020:RNA-Lipid Particle Vaccines for Newly Diagnosed Ped HGG and Adult GBM
Ghiaseddin, Ashley, Parham
Phase I/II
NCT04573140
IMPACT
Ghiaseddin, Ashley, Parham Phase I
NCT05353530
PBTC 055: Phase I/II Trial of Dabrafenib, Trametinib, and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)
Sayour, Elias, Joseph
NCT04201457
PEDIATRICS
NEUROLOGIC
Phase I/II
YOUR PORTAL TO CLINICAL TRIALS. The UF Health Cancer Center’s Clinical Trial NaviGATOR website gives patients and clinicians the ability to browse cancer clinical trials at the center by disease site and criteria and to contact the center to make referrals or get additional information. The NaviGATOR is available on the web: UFHealth.org/navigator
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 39
A Group Effort for Individualized Care T H E M U LT I D I S C I P L I N A R Y T E A M S at the UF Health Cancer Center meet weekly to discuss the details of each patient’s case. This approach leads to a personalized plan created to help patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The plan also includes forming an approach to guiding patients who need several therapies to their ideal cancer treatment plan — customized for the specific type of cancer, the disease’s stage and a patient’s needs and overall health. When a patient begins their journey, a nurse navigator coordinates all aspects of the patient’s care. Navigators also act as excellent resources for community physicians when they are seeking information about care plans for their patients.
Pathologists Radiation Oncologists Radiologists
Surgeons
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Nurses
Nutritionists
Medical Oncologists Patient and Nurse Navigator
Oncopsychologists Educators
Laboratory Researchers
M U LT I D I S C I P L I N A RY CLINICAL PROGRAMS
Clinical Research Specialists
4 UF Health Breast Center 4 Blood Cancers & Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program 4 Orthopaedic Oncology Program 4 Gastrointestinal Oncology Program 4 Gynecologic Oncology Program 4 Head and Neck Cancer Program 4 Lung Cancer Program
Genetic Counselors
Clinical Social Workers
Oncofertility Specialists
4 Metastatic Cancer Program 4 Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy Pediatric Hematology/ 4 Oncology Program 4 Skin Cancer and Melanoma Program 4 Urologic Cancer Program
O N C O L O GY N U R S E N AV I G AT O R T E A M
Melissa Lynn, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.M., O.C.N. Coordinator
Stephanie Provost, B.S., R.N. Breast
Taylor Fradella, R.N. Gastrointestinal
Sarah Graciani, B.S.N., R.N. Lung
Anne Pesantez, M.P.H., B.S.N., R.N., O.C.N. Breast, GI, Lung
Brandi Nunn, B.S.N., R.N. Orthopaedic
Lindsey Rountree, R.N. Urologic
Imelda Bunoy, M.S.N.N.E., B.S.N., R.N. Head and neck
Carol Hubbard, B.S.N., R.N. Gynecologic
CELLUL AR THERAPIES
UF Health has successfully performed stem cell transplantation to treat a broad variety of malignant and benign hematologic disorders, including:
• • • • • •
Pam Clevenger, R.N. Radiology Woman’s Imaging
Jennifer West, B.S.N., R.N., ONN-CG Clinical Trials
Acute and chronic leukemia Myelodysplastic syndromes Multiple myeloma Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease Myeloproliferative syndromes Severe aplastic anemia
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 41
The UF Health Cancer Center is dedicated to advancing progress toward prevention and cures for cancer. Achieving this goal requires the successful education, training and mentoring of the next generation of cancer researchers.
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
educate 42 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
C A N C E R T R A I N I N G A N D E D U C AT I O N PROGRAM The UF Health Cancer Center’s Cancer Training and Education Program seeks to enhance and integrate cancer education, research training and career development activities at all student, trainee and faculty levels. The program incorporates opportunities in basic sciences, population sciences, and clinical and translational research. Our goal is to provide environments that stimulate interest, offer mentorship and nurture the development of future researchers and practitioners through a portfolio of opportunities at every stage of the career continuum.
The program’s mission is to serve as the universitywide center for cancer education and workforce enhancement.
Dietmar W. Siemann, Ph.D. Associate Director, Education & Training UF Health Cancer Center
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Highlights R E S E A R C H SY M P O S I U M F O R H I G H S C H O O L ST U D E N T S More than 400 local high school students had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the latest cancer research from University of Florida faculty and trainees and learn about their varied career paths during the Cancer Research Symposium for High School Students held Jan. 26 at West Port High School in Ocala. Three other high schools traveled to the school, some from as far away as the Tampa area, totaling about 400 in-person attendees, more than twice as many students as the inaugural symposium in 2020. A new addition for this year’s symposium was a livestream option. Four high schools joined the symposium by livestream.
A N N UA L C A N C E R R E S E A R C H C O N F E R E N C E F O R S C I E N C E T E AC H E R S Over two days this July, nearly 100 science teachers from across the state converged at the UF Health Cancer Center to hear about the latest leading-edge cancer research taking place at UF. The free Cancer Research Conference for Science Teachers, in its fourth year, aims to build relationships with statewide educators to raise awareness and share information about cancer risk and prevention. Attendance has nearly tripled from the first year it was held, with educators hailing from 27 Florida counties this year. The Cancer Training
M.D.-PH.D. PROGRAM
The UF Health Cancer Center awarded the 2023 American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant Pilot Projects, as part of its efforts to support early-stage investigators in cancerrelated basic, preclinical and population-based research studies. 2023 Recipients PH.D. YEAR 1 • Chadwin Hanna
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and Education Program garnered support from AstraZeneca, which also sponsored the Cancer Research Symposium for High School Students in January. “We were proud to present a program that truly showcased the center’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer research, with presentations not only from biologists, but also from engineers, virologists and imaging experts,” said Dietmar Siemann, Ph.D., associate director for education and training at the Cancer Center.
PH.D. YEAR 2 • Jack Figg (Mentor: Catherine Flores, Ph.D.) • Caretia Washington (Mentor: Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D.) PH.D. YEAR 4+ • Connor Francis (Mentor: Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D.) • Daniel Stribling (Mentor: Rolf Renne, Ph.D.)
M.D. YEAR 3 • Miles Cameron (Mentor: Andrew Judge, Ph.D.), “Identification of Mechanisms and a Novel Therapeutic to Counter Cancerassociated Cachexia” M.D. YEAR 4 • Rebecca Henderson (Mentor: Adrienne Strong, Ph.D.), “Cancer and Crisis: Time, Knowledge, and Evidence in Haitian Oncology”
A DVA N C E D C O N C E N T R AT I O N I N C A N C E R B I O L O GY The Cancer Biology Concentration in the UF College of Medicine’s Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences was established in 2015 by Dietmar Siemann, Ph.D., and is now co-directed with Maria Zajac-Kaye, Ph.D. The program provides multidisciplinary doctoral training in cancer research, including molecular and cell biology, genetics and epigenetics, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, anatomy, pathology, epidemiology, bioinformatics and immunology. Now the third-largest Biomedical Sciences concentration, it is the only one not directly associated with a single basic science department. Instead, it draws mentors from multiple basic and clinical departments, and it currently features 39 faculty mentors and 29 students. Twentyfour trainees have since earned their Ph.Ds. Nine are completing postdoctoral training, three are in academic research and 10 scientists are in industry. Together, these postgraduates have 114 publications. Current Students • Mahmuda Akter (Mentor: Shuang Huang, Ph.D.) • Alaleh Anvar (Mentor: Lina Cui, Ph.D.) • Loa Bakhsh (Mentor: Jianrong Lu, Ph.D.) • Yodarlynis Campaneria (Mentor: Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D.) • Madison Carelock (Mentor: Weizhou Zhang, Ph.D.)
CANCER POLICY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
• Angel Charles (Mentor: Ryan Thomas, M.D.) • Siddhi Chitre (Mentor: Christian Jobin, Ph.D.) • Anna DeVries (Mentor: Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D.) • Michael Dougherty (Mentor: Christian Jobin, Ph.D.) • Laura Falceto Font (Mentor: Catherine Flores, Ph.D.) • John Figg (Mentor: Catherine Flores, Ph.D.) • Maria Hernandez (Mentor: Christian Jobin, Ph.D.) • Xi Huang (Mentor: Jianrong Lu, Ph.D.) • Zeng Jin (Mentor: Ryan Kolb, Ph.D.) • Chayil Cyan Lattimore (Mentor: Kristianna Fredenburg, M.D., Ph.D.) • Yueying Liu (Mentor: Zhijian Qian, Ph.D.) • Christiano Marconi (Mentor: Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D.) • Natalie Martinez (Mentor: Scott Tibbetts, Ph.D.) • Claudia Mercado Rodriguez (Mentor: Christian Jobin, Ph.D.) • Territope Mary Ogunmola (Mentor: Michael McIntosh, Ph.D.) • Kimberly Pereira (Mentor: Jonathan D. Licht, M.D.) • Kyle Scheller (Mentor: Juan Guan, Ph.D.) • Xzaviar Solone (Mentor: Lizi Wu, Ph.D.) • Gregory Takacs (Mentor: Jeffrey Harrison, Ph.D.) • Tanzia Islam Tithi (Mentor: Weizhou Zhang, Ph.D.) • Julian Tobon (Mentor: Rene Opavsky, Ph.D.) • Beatriz Veronese (Mentor: Zhe Ma, Ph.D.) • Mu Yu (Mentor: Lizi Wu, Ph.D.) • Chong Zhou (Mentor: Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D.)
The Cancer Policy Internship Program is a full-semester internship at the UF Office of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C. It provides an immersive experience for UF graduate students to better understand processes associated with health care policy and implementation science. Interns develop a cancer-related project aligned with legislative policies and UF policies. Since it began in 2019, 13 UF graduate students have completed the internship. In 2023, Beatriz Veronese and Shilpi Mistry interned with U.S. Rep. Darren Soto.
Intern Beatriz Veronese with U.S. Rep. Darren Soto.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 45
UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM The mission of the University Scholars Program, which began in 2018, is to educate the next generation of professionals on the importance of biomedical research and scientific discoveries, specifically focused on cancer. Since 2018, 70 undergraduate scholars have participated in the program. In 2023, an exceptional group of 11 students was chosen in a competitive process, with half of these students new to cancer research. The scholars represent five different colleges across the University of Florida and engage in a variety of cancer research projects spanning the center’s research programs. University Scholars Program 12
Brian Blackwood Major: Biology; Minor: Asian Studies & Chemistry Mentor: Daiqing Liao, Ph.D. College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Research Project Title: The epigenetic regulator DAXX in cancer biology Alisha Das Major: Biochemistry & Business Mentor: Naykky Singh Ospina, M.D. College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Research Project Title: The impact COVID-19 has had on the treatment and survivability of cancer patients from low socioeconomic backgrounds Gissel Garcia Major: Preprofessional Biology Mentor: Boone Prentice, Ph.D. College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Research Project Title: Imaging mass spectrometry methods and applications
10 8 6 4 2 0
2023-24 Scholars
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 # of Scholars
# New to Cancer Research
Maheera Hossain Major: Health Sciences Mentor: Yi Guo, Ph.D.
College of Public Health & Health Professions Research Project Title: Cancer Screening Trends Among People at High Risk for HIV Julia Jamieson Major: Biology; Minor: Biomolecular Engineering: Bioinformatics Mentor: Coy Heldermon, M.D., Ph.D. College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Research Project Title: Effects of a lipid nanoparticle mRNA vaccine on mouse soft tissue sarcoma Christina Klassen Major: International Studies Mentor: Julie Bradley, M.D. College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Research Project Title: Breast cosmesis after radiotherapy: a qualitative and quantitative analysis Andrea Noy Major: Mechanical Engineering Mentor: Xin Tang, Ph.D. College of Engineering Research Project Title: Understanding differences in human cancer cells’ mechanical properties
Predoctoral Awardees Career Outcomes
PREDOCTORAL AWA R D E E S
The UF Health Cancer Center Nonprofit Predoctoral Awards are given Government annually to up to six graduate Other Employment students who have passed the Clinical Practice Ph.D. qualifying exam within the last 15Industry months. These awards recognize and support Academic Researchoutstanding predoctoral candidates conducting Postdoctoral/ innovative research Clinical Trainingfocused on cancer. Since 2016, 40 predoctoral students have received these awards, 31 of whom have since completed their Ph.Ds.
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2022 Predoctoral Awardees
Diliara Bagautdinova, M.A. Mentor: Carla Fisher, Ph.D. “Healthy adult development in AYA oncology: promoting identity development by enhancing family and clinician communication” Miles Cameron Mentor: Andrew Judge, Ph.D. “Identification of mechanisms and a novel therapeutic intervention to counter cancer-associated cachexia”
Minh-Chau Le Mentor: Hugh Fan, Ph.D. “Microfluidic platforms for the detection of rare cells in sarcomas and triple-negative breast cancer” Nam Nguyen, Pharm.D. Mentor: Jatinder Lamba, Ph.D. “CRISPR/Cas9 screening to identify modulators of chemotherapy response in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML)” Sadeem Qdaisa Mentor: Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D.
Hafsa Ouaakki Major: Biology, Pre-Professional Mentor: Daiqing Liao, Ph.D. College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Business Research Project Title: Deciphering roles of DAXX in cancer biology Khushil Patel Major: Biology; Minor: N/A Mentor: Zhe Ma, Ph.D. College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Research Project Title: Exploring the role of KSHV-encoded cGAS-STING inhibitors Weihao Tang Major: Preprofessional Biology Mentor: Lei Zhou, Ph.D. College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Research Project Title: Genomic response in circulating macrophages in response to hyperplastic and neoplastic tumors in drosophila Janie Zhang Major: Biology Mentor: Jianping Huang, Ph.D. College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Research Project Title: SPDYE3, a novel cancer testis (CT) antigen for glioma immunotherapy
G L O B A L S C H O L A R - I N -T R A I N I NUniversity G AWA RScholars D E E S Program VISIT The UF Health Cancer Center hosted 12 the 15 recipients of the American Association for Cancer Research Global Scholar-in-Training Awards for a visit after the 2023 10 AACR Annual Meeting in Orlando. The scholars traveled to Gainesville after the meeting ended on April 19 and had 8the opportunity to network with Cancer Center 6 faculty and trainees at an evening social reception at the Hilton University of Florida 4 the scholars toured the Cancer Center’s Conference Center. The next morning, research facilities and learned about2 career paths. 0
2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 # of Scholars
“Resetting IFN-I signaling to unlock cancer immunogenicity” Gregory Takacs Mentor: Jeffrey Harrison, Ph.D. “Investigating mechanisms of CCR2+ myeloid cell-derived immune suppression in glioblastoma” 2023 Predoctoral Awardees Madison (Maddy) Carelock Mentor: Weizhou Zhang, Ph.D. “Attenuating breast cancer metastasis with BCL-XL-targeting PROTACs” Anna DeVries Mentor: Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D.
“Establishing the cross-talk mechanisms between innate and adaptive immunity following systemic mRNA vaccination” Zachary Greenberg, M.S. Mentor: Mei He, Ph.D. “AI-driven methods to engineer extracellular vesicles for precision cancer immunotherapy” Nicholas Hiers Mentor: Mingyi Xie, Ph.D. “Identification of miRNA-associated therapeutic targets in cancer”
# New to Cancer Research
Predoctoral Awards Career Outcomes Predoctoral Awardees Career Outcomes Nonprofit Government Other Employment Clinical Practice Industry Academic Research Postdoctoral/ Clinical Training
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T E A M - B A S E D I N T E R D I S C I P L I N A RY C A N C E R RESEARCH TRAINING (TICART) PROGRAM The next generation of cancer researchers will require expertise in interdisciplinary approaches in a team-based setting to address the increasing complexities of cancer and become successful independent investigators. In April 2021, the UF Health Cancer Center was awarded an NCI-funded T32 grant for its TICaRT Program. This innovative concept encompasses interdisciplinary nearpeer mentoring teams (e.g., predoctoral/postdoctoral). The diversity of faculty research expertise provides a wide range of training opportunities and draws predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees from 11 Ph.D. programs and nine colleges across the biomedical spectrum. A cohesive group of 37 basic science and clinical faculty from 22 departments provides oversight and mentorship. The first cohort of four teams joined the program in August 2021 and the second in 2023. The 2023-25 cohort was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. Trainees come from four UF colleges, representing basic science, clinical and translational research, and population science. They spend two years in the program, working as teams on joint projects.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY P I LOT GR ANTS
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Sarah McMahon, Ph.D., and Alexis Smith Team Project: PROTACmediated degradation of the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) to target KSHV latency Jeremy Ducharme, Ph.D., and Madison Carelock Team Project: Utilizing proteolysis targeting chimeras against BCL-2 and BCL-X for clearing senescent cells to reverse therapy induced cachexia Nathan Hart and Jordan McKean, M.D. Team Project: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma biomarker detection/validation via intelligent microrobotic chip device Meghann Wheeler and Breanne Freeman Team Project: Optimizing lung cancer risk assessment: from bench to trench
The UF Health Cancer Center awarded the 2023 American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant Pilot Projects as part of its efforts to support early-stage investigators in cancerrelated basic, preclinical and population-based research studies.
2023 recipients • Michalina Janiszewska, Ph.D. • Megan Stanifer, Ph.D. • John Ligon, M.D. • Hyung-Suk Yoon, Ph.D. • William Donelan, Ph.D.
SCAN to see 2023 Research Showcase poster winners.
AN NUAL RESEARCH SHOWCASE
The UF Health Cancer Center’s annual Research Showcase was held on Jan. 11 at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center. The event included a keynote talk by Thomas Gajewski, M.D., Ph.D., titled “Mechanisms of response versus resistance to cancer immunotherapy,” three-minute thesis presentations from the six predoctoral awardees, and a judged poster session. The event drew a record number of submissions as the event returned to an in-person format for the first time in several years. The event provided an outstanding opportunity for trainees to showcase their research and discuss ideas for future collaborations with their peers. The event featured nearly 120 trainee posters from across the Cancer Center’s research programs, as well as 21 faculty and staff posters. There were also 14 posters from the Cancer Center’s Shared Resources and Cores.
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The UF Health Cancer Center is proud to be a part of a community that moves cancer care and research forward. It is this community that helps shape and guide our mission — to prevent, detect and treat cancer — and brings new therapies to patients through philanthropic investments. Together, we have unstoppable momentum.
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
engage 50 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT OFFICE The overarching goal of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Community Outreach & Engagement, or COE, office is to partner with community members, patients, families, clinicians, health system leaders, policymakers and Cancer Center scientists to reduce the cancer burden in the 23 counties we serve through novel outreach and engagement programs that span the cancer care continuum — from prevention to survivorship. The Community Outreach & Engagement Office is guided by the principles of health equity and community-engaged research, which aim to form equitable collaborations and shared leadership among the community and researchers, with an emphasis on transparent bidirectional communication, mutual benefit and sustained commitment to change. These principles mirror those of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and emphasize reciprocal relationships, mutual co-learning, collaborations, transparency, honesty and trust.
Our Community Outreach & Engagement Office is guided by the principles of health equity and community-engaged research.
891
472
community members who received navigation services for medical and/or social services*
cancer screenings completed (including breast, cervical and colorectal)* *Statistics from 2023
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The Population We Serve U F H E A LT H CANCER CENTER
T H E U F H E A LT H CANCER CENTER is dedicated to serving the residents of Florida. Cancer is a leading cause of death for Floridians. Therefore, our efforts to serve our state with innovative research and leading cancer care have never been more critical. This map shows our catchment area, the counties that 77% of our patients call home. These counties face unique challenges of the cancer burden, and it is our mission to address these challenges by developing creative prevention and treatment strategies that serve our diverse population.
C AT C H M E N T AREA BY T H E NUMBERS
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H C AT C H M E N T A R E A RURAL COUNTIES NON-RURAL COUNTIES All 23 catchment area counties designated as medically underserved with lack of access to primary care services, with a total population of 2.3 million (2018)
17,494
S Q U A R E M I L E catchment area: greater than Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut combined
66.7%
11
16
23%
Florida counties with persistent poverty are in our catchment area
of the 23 countries have higher cancer incidence rates than the state rate
counties have higher advanced stage incidence rates than the state rate
are over 65 years old
PRIORITY CANCERS Priority cancers are selected based on the burden in the community and evidence-based screening guidelines. Lung, breast, colorectal and cervical cancers have evidence-based, population-based, screening recommendations backed by the National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Prostate cancer screening is determined by patients’ risk status and shared decisionmaking with care providers. Because these cancers are among the top advanced-stage diagnosis in the catchment area, research and interventions that support screening are a priority for the UF Health Cancer Center.
LUNG
BREAST
Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D.
Jennifer Woodard, M.P.H., R.N., CCRP
Jamie Hensley, MHCM, CCRP
LaTrina Massey, M.P.H.
Kathryn Pluta, Ph.D.
Yi Guo, Ph.D.
C ERVIC A L
C O L O R E C TA L
MEET THE COE TEAM
P R O S TAT E
Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D. Associate Director of Community Outreach, Engagement and Equity Jennifer Woodard, M.P.H., R.N., CCRP Director of Community Outreach and Engagement Jamie Hensley, MHCM, CCRP Screening and Care Navigation
989K reside in areas of socioeconomic vulnerability (i.e., high rates of poverty, unemployment, lower income/educational attainment
LaTrina Massey, M.P.H. Community Outreach and Education Kathryn Pluta, Ph.D. Community-Engaged Research Support Yi Guo, Ph.D. Community Needs Assessment and Evaluation
13
16
60%
41.8
catchment area counties with an adult smoking rate of 20% or higher
counties have higher advanced stage incidence rates than the state rate
of most prevalent types of new cancer cases are tobacco related
per 100,000 in advancedstage incidence of lung cancer in catchment area
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ON THE MOVE For many individuals living in the rural 23-county area of North Central Florida served by the UF Health Cancer Center, access to mammography services for breast cancer screening is limited. But now, with a $1.5-million grant awarded through University of Florida President Ben Sasse’s strategic funding initiative, the UF Health Cancer Center will launch an initiative called Expanding Access to Breast Cancer Screening in North Central Florida. A mobile mammography unit will be outfitted with leading-edge technology to bring services directly to the community. The unit will be the first of its kind in North Central Florida — a region larger than Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut combined.
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“As a National Cancer Institutedesignated cancer center, the UF Health Cancer Center is charged with addressing the burden of cancer in the large area we serve, with a strong focus on rural and aging populations,” said Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., director of the UF Health Cancer Center. “This innovative mobile unit will enhance our evidence-based outreach efforts in unprecedented ways. Our goal is to reduce the burden of late-stage cancer diagnoses and mortality through early detection and personalized services that help people access the treatment they need.”
MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY UNIT TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CARE
Breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in North Central Florida, with rural communities having higher rates of advanced stages of the disease (cancers that are the hardest to treat), as well as higher mortality. These rural communities also have high poverty rates, which often lead to significant barriers for those trying to access preventive health care. Mobile mammography units are powerful tools that help detect cancer in its early stages so that treatment can begin as quickly as possible (before the disease spreads). These units are costeffective, reducing the need for physical infrastructure and easing the burden on health systems.
The mobile unit will also be equipped to provide screening for other diseases, including cervical and colorectal cancers. To increase the unit’s impact and ensure continuity of care, highly trained community health workers and patient navigators will help patients access primary care services and connect with UF research studies. The team also will help uninsured community members apply for vouchers from the Florida Department of Health to cover mammography costs. “By bundling cancer screening services, we will leverage the mobile unit to reach more people, encouraging community members to opt for multiple screenings closer to where they live and to bring their friends and family to get screened, too,” said Ramzi Salloum, Ph.D., the associate director for community outreach and engagement at the UF Health Cancer Center. “The deployment of a mobile unit to enhance access to risk-reduction education and preventive services in our neighboring communities, as well as to foster a meaningful relationship with rural community providers, will allow UF Health to provide high-quality care beyond our walls where it is needed most.”
COURTESY OF TESCO.
And studies have shown that mobile mammography units are effective for reaching underserved communities.
Renderings of the mobile unit.
The UF Health Cancer Center has been hosting mobile mammography clinics with its community partners using rented units for the past year, but the need is outpacing the units’ availability, Salloum said. There is a pressing need for a dedicated unit due to the significant disparities in this region, such as lower screening rates compared with the rest of the state of Florida. Late-stage diagnosis rates for Black women living in the area are also higher than both state and national rates.
To meet this need for care quickly, the mobile unit is expected to begin operating in fall 2024. Along with a matching investment from the UF Health Cancer Center, funds from Sasse’s strategic initiative will support the unit’s development, its 3D mammography equipment and screening supplies. “The University of Florida can eliminate barriers to cancer screenings, and this initiative will help us get there,” Sasse said. “The project will be instrumental in bringing breast cancer awareness and improved health to underserved communities.”
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THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH & E N G A G E M E N T team and its community partners are dedicated to understanding and addressing the community’s needs, and their work has cultivated a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to cancer care. Before achieving NCI designation, COE established robust infrastructure that provides low-barrier cancer screening and care navigation services to all community members, as well as culturally tailored cancer prevention and risk reduction education. The team offers communitybased clinics for free cancer screenings and guides community members to the care they need. These efforts have resulted in a system of high-quality, evidence-based care. Looking ahead, COE remains committed to enhancing its efforts in engaging the community in cancer research. This includes addressing barriers like language, transportation and out-of-pocket costs to ensure all members of the communities we serve have equitable access to health care services and research opportunities. The community’s perspectives remain an integral part of the UF Health Cancer Center’s research. Going forward, the strong collaboration between the community and the Cancer Center will undoubtedly yield groundbreaking insights and advances in the fight against cancer.
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Highlights P R OV I D I N G P O W E R OV E R C A N C E R Power Over Cancer is an event series that aims to provide an opportunity for cancer leaders, researchers and clinicians at the UF Health Cancer Center and members of the East Gainesville community to share and discuss the cancer prevention, care and research that occurs at or with the support of the center. The gatherings are presented by the Cancer Center’s CommunityPartnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative, or CDRC, directed by Carolyn M. Tucker, Ph.D., the UF Florida Blue Endowed Chair in Health Disparities Research and a research professor in the UF department of psychology, and the COE. In February, the Power Over Prostate Cancer Gathering drew a packed crowd of about 200 Black men, family members
and other members of the Gainesville community at Springhill Baptist Church. The gathering included presentations on prostate cancer prevention and new treatments by UF Health oncologists Thomas Stringer, M.D., and William Mendenhall, M.D., FACR. It also provided the opportunity for attendees to discuss the impact of prostate cancer in small group discussion sessions, ask questions during a panel session and get information about UF cancer research studies. In October, the Power Over Breast Cancer event carried the momentum forward, drawing more than 100 Black women, family members and other members of the Gainesville community. The gathering included presentations on breast cancer prevention and new treatments by UF Health oncologists Lisa Spiguel, M.D., and Adeline M. Deladisma, M.D., M.P.H. “Our goal is to create equal opportunity for our community,” said Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., director of the Cancer Center. “Everyone should have access to high-quality health care, to knowledge, to power over their cancer.”
P R OJ E C T CONTINUITY: E D U C AT I O N , SCREENING AND CARE N AV I G AT I O N
Through quarterly clinics in partnership with Children Beyond Our Borders, the COE team has helped hundreds of community members access health care services and cancer screenings, including on-site mammography. These clinics are held with community partners that provide medical care services, including the UF Mobile Outreach Clinic and the UF Equal Access Clinic. The COE and its clinical community navigators have been key to the success of these fairs, which have significantly expanded to reach more people and provide more services. During the last two health fairs of 2023, more than 150 people were served at each, up from fewer than
100 at ones earlier in the year. At the November fair, 29 on-site screening mammograms were completed and 21 at-home colorectal cancer screening tests were distributed. The team also screened community members for eligibility to participate in a UF tobacco cessation study, helped people apply for vouchers for mammograms and ensured everyone was connected to the needed followup care. “The COE team works incredibly hard to ensure each patient gets only the highest quality of care, with all communication provided in Spanish to meet the needs of the population,” said Jennifer Woodard, R.N., M.P.H., CCRP, COE director.
In March, Project CONTINUITY, a COE initiative, hosted a free health fair in Bo Diddley Plaza called Strides for Better Health, which helped community members learn about cancer prevention and access health services. Project CONTINUITY provided education on breast, cervical and skin cancer prevention and shared information on the CONNECT registry that helps community members learn about community outreach events and research. The team’s clinical community navigators also provided attendees with at-home colorectal cancer screening tests, blood pressure screening and referrals to mammograms.
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REDUCING THE BURDEN OF CERVICAL CANCER Cervical cancer is a significant burden in the UF Health Cancer Center catchment area, and there are notable disparities based on socioeconomic status. The American Cancer Society’s 2020 cervical cancer screening recommendation was updated from cervical cytology/co-testing in women ages 21-65 every three to five years to HPV testing alone every five years for women ages 25-65. Adherence to screening recommendations is suboptimal
COMMUNITY OUTRE ACH AN D ENGAGEM ENT A DV I S O RY B O A R D
58 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
for those who are uninsured and/or living in areas of high socioeconomic vulnerability. But primary HPV testing with self-sampling increases access and uptake of screening services. Research shows that HPV testing provides longer-term safety than cytology alone, a critical benefit for populations that are infrequently screened. The COE’s short-term goal was to ensure local capacity to administer
HPV self-collection in both research and clinical settings. The long-term goal is to increase women’s access to HPV testing and cervical cancer screening by offering more testing options and reducing disparities in the cancer burden. To offer HPV testing alone, a validation study was conducted. The study processes allowed for a system-level change in the health system’s ability to provide cervical cancer screening with HPV alone, in accordance with current guidelines.
THE UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER Community Outreach & Engagement Advisory Board, or CAB, is a committed group of community experts who gather in the spirit of building equitable partnerships and infusing a community perspective into our cancer research agenda. Using a community-engaged research process, advisory board members meet and openly discuss cancerrelated issues faced by residents of our 23-county catchment area. The CAB continues to play a vital role in collaborating with our leadership team, program directors and Cancer Center members to ensure that our work focuses on cancer-related issues that are critical to the communities we serve.
C I T I Z E N S C I E N T I ST S PA R T N E R W I T H RESEARCHERS TO ENHANCE RESEARCH UF Health Cancer Center Citizen Scientists collaborate with researchers to ensure community perspectives are incorporated throughout the research continuum, from topic identification to study design and dissemination of findings. Our cohort of up to 10 Citizen Scientists includes community members who are cancer survivors and represents various races and ethnicities, disabilities, genders and sexual orientations. Citizen
Scientists range in age from 17 to over 90 years old and live in both rural and non-rural areas in the center’s catchment area. The group may also include young adult cancer survivors. All Citizen Scientists have completed certification on research methods, UF procedures and cancer-specific topics. UF Health Cancer Center Citizen Scientists are assigned to each program, attend meetings to encourage ongoing bidirectional communication and participate in the Office of Community Outreach
and Engagement Advisory Board. They participate in 12T3 meetings, in which novel research concepts are discussed and considered for pilot funding, and in the Scientific Review and Monitoring Committee process. They also review clinical trial protocols and make recommendations about participant engagement, informed consent language and study procedures. Citizen scientists also review OneFlorida+ cancer studies.
Visit cancer.ufl.edu to meet our Citizen Scientists and learn more.
UF Health Cancer Center Citizen Scientists in November 2022 from left to right (holding awards): Zach Jones, Carlos Maeztu, Christy Evans, Nadine Zemon, E. Stanley Richardson and Shirley Bloodworth with research coordinator Marize Farag.
C A B B OA R D M EM BERS Shirley Bloodworth, M.S.N. Citizen Scientist and Community Advocate Ann Walsh Collett Childhood Cancer Advocate, President, Headlight Data
Jeri Francoeur, M.S. Advocacy Committee Chair, Florida Breast Cancer Foundation
Robin Lewy, M.A. Director of Programming, Rural Women’s Health Project
E. Stanley Richardson Citizen Scientist, Founder and Director of ARTSPEAKSgnv
Harriette Hudson Chair, Sisters Alive Tallahassee
Nicole Miller Founder and CEO, Blossoming Butterfly
Kendra Siler, Ph.D. President and CEO, CommHIT
2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 59
ACCOLADES AND AWARDS
n Nine UF Health Cancer Center
researchers were formally recognized as endowed chairs and professors in a ceremony in November, placing them in the ranks of the most accomplished faculty members in the University of Florida’s six health colleges: C. Parker Gibbs, M.D.; David Iglesias, M.D.; Merry Jennifer Markham, M.D., FACP, FASCO; Cesar Migliorati, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.; Zhijian Qian, Ph.D.; Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., Li-Ming Su, M.D., FRCS; Ramon C. Sun, Ph.D.; Maria ZajacKaye, Ph.D. n Ji-Hyun Lee, DrPH, was elected
president of the American Statistical
COMMUNITY PA R T N E R S
60 | UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER
Association for the 2025 term. ASA is the world’s largest community of statisticians, with more than 19,000 members in more than 90 countries. n Sherise Rogers, M.D., received the
inaugural Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Leadership Award from Conquer Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology Foundation, funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. In addition, Raymond Mailhot, M.D., received the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Award. n Christian Jobin, Ph.D., and Rachel
Newsome received an Invention of
At the UF Health Cancer Center, teamwork is at the center of everything we do. Our patients have a team of providers and caregivers in their corner, helping them through every step of their cancer battle. The UF Health Cancer Center Office of Development has a team in its corner as well — our robust network of community partners who have joined the fight against cancer:
the Year award from UF Innovate for their work identifying gut biome bacteria that can make lung cancer tumors responsive to immunotherapy treatment. In addition, Arun Srivastava, Ph.D., and his team received an Invention of the Year award for developing generation Z single-stranded AAV serotype vectors. n The American Society of Hematology
selected Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., as the inaugural editor-in-chief of one of the newest additions to the Blood Journals portfolio, Blood Neoplasia. n Thomas George, M.D., FACP, and
Merry Jennifer Markham, M.D., FACP, FASCO, were honored by
The Ocala Royal Dames’ mission is to support educational programs and activities that promote, enhance and further cancer research and education on a local and regional level. To date, the Dames have provided more than $1.5 million in research support to UF, as well as support for continuing medical education for residents and clinicians.
the American Society for Clinical Oncology as Advocacy Champions for exemplifying cancer care advocacy. In addition, George was elected chair of the Association of American Cancer Institutes Clinical Research Innovation Steering Committee. n Olga Guryanova, M.D., Ph.D., received
the UF College of Medicine Rising Star Researcher Award in Basic or Translational Sciences. n Maryam Rahman, M.D., M.S., received
a UF College of Medicine Diamond Award. The award recognizes academic accomplishments, as well as her intangible accomplishments related to her role as a mentor, ability to balance family responsibilities and community involvement. n Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., received the
inaugural Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., Award from the American Society for Clinical Investigation in recognition of his work to develop innovative immunotherapy treatments for brain cancer. He was also elected to the Association of American Physicians, an honor recognizing outstanding credentials in basic or translational biomedical research.
The Climb for Cancer Foundation was founded in 2003 by Ron and Dianne Farb, following Ron’s sister’s breast cancer diagnosis. Climb for Cancer primarily raises funds for patient-focused initiatives at UF Health. To date, Climb for Cancer has raised more than $2 million while helping donors enjoy adventurous excursions.
n M ei He, Ph.D., was named a senior
member by the National Academy of Inventors. The honor recognizes He for being an academic inventor who is a rising leader in her field. n Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, Ph.D., and
Valérie de Crécy-Lagard, Ph.D., were among 19 faculty from the University of Florida elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals. n Pastor Gerard Duncan, an outreach
adviser for the UF Health Cancer Center, was honored with a University of Florida Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Award in recognition of his work advocating for health care in underserved neighborhoods. n Margaret “Peggy” Wallace,
Ph.D., received the Friedrich von Recklinghausen Award for devoting her 35-year career to advancing treatment for a rare genetic condition, neurofibromatosis. n Jonathan Chatzkel, M.D., received the
Positive Impact Award from UF adult
hematology and oncology fellows for his teaching and mentorship. n Jatinder Lamba, Ph.D., was appointed
associate dean for research and graduate education in the UF College of Pharmacy. n Dejana Braithwaite, Ph.D., joined the
leadership council of the SelfMade Health Network, a national consortium that works to combat tobacco- and cancer-related health disparities. n D aniel J. Indelicato, M.D., and Carmen
Allegra, M.D., who serve on the National Clinical Trial Network Adolescent and Young Adult Working Group, received the National Cancer Institute’s Director’s Award for their work to develop and implement clinical trials for adolescent and young adult patients with cancer. n E ric Miller, M.B.A., C.R.A., was
appointed as a faculty member for traveling workshops by the National Council of University Research Administrators. n Laura Coppola, Kristina Iligan, M.S.N.,
M.P.H., R.N.; Taryn King, B.S.N., R.N.; Paige Lysne, and Alexandra Mueller, M.S., earned ACRP/SOCRA certifications.
Stop Children’s Cancer is a local nonprofit committed to the prevention, control and cure of childhood cancers. The organization was founded in 1981 by Bonnie R. Freeman, her parents Howard and Laurel, and her sister Carolyne. As a result of the organization’s early donations of seed money to UF, more than $23 million in funding has been secured by doctors and researchers at the UF Health Cancer Center.
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Photo Album Lee, DrPH, with the chairs of the 01 Ji-Hyun UF Health Cancer Center’s AI Working Group Mattia Prosperi, Ph.D., left, and Qing Lu, Ph.D., during the third annual AI Day in Cancer Research on Oct. 24. The mini-symposium, which focused on insights in cancer imaging, drew speakers and attendees from a range of disciplines, such as engineering, public health, data science and radiology, to learn more about the role of AI in cancer research. Bruno, Ph.D., FHFSA, left, and 02 Katelyn Yan Gong, Ph.D., co-chaired the inaugural UF Cardio-Oncology Symposium presented by the UF Health Cancer Center and the UF College of Pharmacy on March 1. About 70 University of Florida faculty, staff and students had the opportunity to hear about leading-edge cardio-oncology research and connect with researchers in a collegial environment. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez 03 Florida visited the Adam Michael Rosen Neuro-Oncology Laboratories to learn about the leading-edge, collaborative cancer research being conducted at the University of Florida by researchers like Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., a UF Health physician-scientist and principal investigator with the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy. Support from the state of Florida and nonprofits like CureSearch is vital to the novel translational cancer research that UF Health Cancer Center researchers like Sayour are conducting every day. amazing creativity of the UF Health 04 The Radiation Oncology team was on display at the annual Pink Pumpkin Challenge held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Children’s Cancer renewed its 05 Stop gift of $1 million to support cancer research and clinical trials in the UF division of hematology and oncology for the next five years. inaugural UF Health Cancer 06 The Center-The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology retreat on Feb. 16 aimed to build collaborations and partnerships and develop new cancer research.
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The Gainesville community showed up in
07 force on Oct. 21 to support the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event at Celebration Pointe. Hope on Wheels awarded a 08 Hyundai $400,000 grant to Paul Castillo Caro, M.D., left, his second from Hope on Wheels, during a ceremony at the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital on Aug. 9. John Ligon, M.D., right, who previously received Hyundai’s $200,000 Young Investigator Award, was also recognized. R. Wingard, M.D., was presented 09 John with an engraved chair during his
01
retirement celebration on July 6. Wingard, the UF Health Cancer Center’s deputy director who led the UF Health Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program since 1996, retired after 27 years at the University of Florida. UF Health Cancer Center participated 10 The in the Cancer Survivorship Summit hosted by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Oct. 16 at Nova Southeastern University, which featured a keynote by first lady Jill Biden. Director Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., spoke on a panel about the transition to post-treatment care. Our Community Outreach and Engagement team shared resources on cancer education and prevention. Director Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., right,
11 meets with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, second
06
from left, and the leaders of other Florida NCI-designated cancer centers during AACI/AACR Hill Day 2023. UF Health Cancer Center’s inaugural 12 The Southeastern Cancer Survivorship Symposium on Nov. 9 was organized by Raymond Mailhot, M.D., left, and Erin Mobley, Ph.D., right. Keynote speakers included Sharon Castellino, M.D., M.Sc., second from left, and Lisa Kahalley, Ph.D. UF Health Cancer Center team at 13 The the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, held June 2-6 in Chicago.
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UF Health Cancer Center | P.O. Box 103633, Gainesville, FL 32610-3633