Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center: Pioneering Cancer Research & Care in South Florida

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diagnoses that a person can receive — many see it as a death sentence, and for some, it is — but with early detection and the right treatment plan, all hope is not lost. This is especially true for South Florida residents living near one of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s 11 locations.

A University of Miami Health System facility, Sylvester is South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center, setting it apart as the gold standard for cancer care according to the prestigious National Cancer Institute. Sylvester also stands alone as the sole academic-based cancer center in the area, channeling the expertise of the top-ranked researchers at the university’s Miller School of Medicine.

A pioneer in groundbreaking cancer research and care, Sylvester routinely makes breakthroughs in our understanding of cancer and its prevention, detection and treatment. At present, the cancer center has nearly 300 clinical trials currently underway with thousands of individuals participating. And today’s discoveries become tomorrow’s life-saving care.

With more than 2,600 physicians, scientists and staff dedicated to cancer care and research, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center treats cancer in all its forms: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endocrine cancer, eye cancer, gynecologic cancer, kidney and bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, hematologic cancer, liver and bile duct cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, pediatric cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer and urologic cancers, as well as brain tumors, benign tumors and bone and soft tissue sarcoma.

Those suffering from a type of cancer not listed here need only to reach out to the experts at Sylvester, as there isn’t a form of it that they’re not familiar with and able to treat. Additional specialized services include phase 1 clinical trials and precision medicine.

Always looking to extend their care to more people in need of it, Sylvester announced last year that a new Transformational Cancer Research Building (TCRB) is in the works. Slated to open in 2025, the TCRB will stand as a 12-story, 244,000 sq. ft. facility on UHealth’s downtown Miami campus, located at 1425 NW 10th Avenue.

“This new building is a symbol of who we are and where we’re going as an institution. It speaks to our patients, their families, our nurses, staff and researchers. It speaks to everyone in the South Florida community and the worldwide cancer community, declaring how dedicated and serious we are about finding new cures for cancer,” said Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and executive dean for research at the Miller School.

With the goal of offering innovation, total-body wellness and patient-centered care under one roof, the new facility will give patients the rare opportunity to hear directly from the cancer-focused scientists conducting the research that could give them a second chance at life. Cutting-edge imaging, multidisciplinary collaborations and dynamic physical spaces, with two floors for patient care, will further advance Sylvester’s capabilities to care for patients and will support the development of new therapies and clinical trials likely offered only at Sylvester.

The multi-million-dollar facility— equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories and machine-learning technologies — is expected to attract the best and brightest cancer scientists to find cures for the rarest forms of cancers and further develop Sylvester’s advances in life-saving therapies and translational medicine.

“We are continually motivated by a deep desire to have a positive impact on the world and drive meaningful change. It is what we teach our students and how we approach research,” said Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the Miller School Dr. Henri R. Ford. “This new facility is designed to support our goal to tackle the most challenging cancers.”

Located in Miami, one of the most diverse populations in the U.S., the TCRB will allow Sylvester to design cures for different populations around the world. “It is no small task to commit to both improving cancer care and addressing disparities,” said Dr. Julio Frenk, president of the University of Miami. “We have an opportunity in Miami to design cures for different populations and amplify our impact to global communities.

The TCRB will enable us to promote health access and equity, which is at the core of our research and clinical care mission as an academic health care system.”

Beyond the services coming to the Transformational Cancer Research Building, those currently facing cancer themselves or in their family can rest assured that the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has a long reputation of standing firmly by each patient’s side every step of the way. Patients who enlist the help of Sylvester physicians are given a tailored plan designed to their specific needs, with access to the latest treatment options not available elsewhere.

The staff is committed to providing psychosocial and supportive services not only during treatment but also after its completion. The cancer survivorship program brings doctors and scientists together across various disciplines to help individuals enhance their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing — whether treatment concluded recently or long ago.

With the right care, cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence.

Sylvester has 11 locations in Florida in the towns of Miami, Hollywood, Plantation, Naples, Aventura, Deerfield Beach, Doral, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Coral Gables. Call 1-844-324-HOPE (4673) to schedule an appointment or visit umiamihealth.org/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center for more information.

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