Advancing Therapies for Patients Through Clinical Research in Community Oncology Practices

The survival rate for Americans diagnosed with several of the most common cancers has increased dramatically in the past nearly three decades, thanks in large part to scientific discoveries and treatment advances.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) physicians and patients are part of these leading-edge cancer innovations. Across our network, including at five clinic locations in Lee County, FCS provides the newest cancer therapies, some not yet available elsewhere, through convenient access to clinical trials. These studies of new cancer drugs or medical procedures are not a last resort, but rather, an opportunity to expand an individual’s treatment to include early access to the most effective and promising options.

This is possible through our long-standing partnership with one of the leading cancer research institutes in the world, Sarah Cannon. A trusted expert in the field of oncology research, Sarah Cannon has conducted more than 500+ first-in-human trials and been a clinical trial leader in the majority of approved cancer therapies over the last decade.

No other community-based oncology practice in Florida matches the clinical trial opportunities that FCS makes available to patients close to home, with clinical trials offered at 37 convenient locations in 21 counties across the state. More than 600 FCS patients are treated each year in clinical trials.

Since the inception of our research program, 10,000 patients have participated in innovative studies. Our partnership with Sarah Cannon also allows us to offer early phase clinical trials at three Drug Development Units (DDUs)– one in Sarasota and two in Central Florida.

The discovery of new therapies will advance more quickly as more people are able to take part in clinical research opportunities offered by FCS, providing even greater hope for those battling cancer in Lee County and in communities across Florida.