Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center
Florida's Only NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center
Location	Tampa, Florida
Founded	1986 (Meso Program: 2012)
Patients Treated	3,000+ mesothelioma
NCI Designation	Comprehensive (1998)
Survival Rate	2.5x national average
U.S. News Ranking	Top 15 (15 consecutive years)
Academic Affiliation	University of South Florida
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Executive Summary

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute stands as Florida's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, having treated more than 3,000 mesothelioma patients since establishing its dedicated Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center in 2012. Located in Tampa on the University of South Florida campus, Moffitt has achieved mesothelioma survival rates nearly 2.5 times higher than the national average—a remarkable outcome that reflects the center's specialized expertise, innovative research, and multidisciplinary approach to this challenging cancer.

The institution was founded in 1986 through the vision of H. Lee Moffitt, then Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, who was shocked by Florida's high cancer mortality rates and worked to create a world-class cancer center funded partially by state cigarette tax revenue. Today, Moffitt's thoracic oncology team pioneered the application of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for mesothelioma, enabling high-dose radiation delivery while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The center provides approximately 14,600 nights of free lodging annually through its Magnolia Lodging Program, recognizing that many patients must travel for specialized care. For Florida residents and others seeking treatment at Moffitt, understanding how to coordinate world-class medical care with legal compensation for asbestos exposure can significantly improve both health outcomes and financial recovery.

At a Glance

• Florida's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a status earned in 1998
• Located in Tampa on the University of South Florida campus
• More than 3,000 mesothelioma patients treated since the program's 2012 launch
• Mesothelioma survival rates run nearly 2.5 times the national average
• Dedicated Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center opened in 2012
• Ranked among the nation's best cancer hospitals for 15 consecutive years by U.S. News
• Pioneered Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for mesothelioma patients
• Provides roughly 14,600 free lodging nights annually through the Magnolia Lodging Program
• Multiple active mesothelioma clinical trials, confirmed directly against ClinicalTrials.gov
• Multidisciplinary care team spanning thoracic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology

Key Facts

Key Facts: Moffitt Cancer Center Mesothelioma Program

Institution Founded: October 27, 1986 — opened with 409 team members and 162-bed facility Mesothelioma Program: Dedicated Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center unveiled in 2012 Patient Volume: More than 3,000 mesothelioma patients treated Survival Outcomes: Nearly 2.5 times higher than national average for mesothelioma NCI Status: Florida's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (earned 1998) National Rankings: Listed among nation's best cancer hospitals for 15 consecutive years by U.S. News Innovation Focus: Pioneer in IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) for mesothelioma Patient Support: 14,600 nights of free lodging provided annually through Magnolia Program Research Database: Total Cancer Care initiative enrolled 76,000+ patients for molecular profiling Academic Partner: Primary cancer center affiliated with University of South Florida College of Medicine NCCN Member: Part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Founding Vision: Created through state legislation championed by H. Lee Moffitt, funded by cigarette tax revenue

What Makes Moffitt a Leader in Mesothelioma Care?

Moffitt Cancer Center has emerged as one of the nation's premier mesothelioma treatment destinations, with outcomes that dramatically exceed national benchmarks. The center's one-year and five-year survival proportions significantly surpass national averages—a testament to the specialized expertise concentrated at Florida's only comprehensive cancer center.

The Moffitt Difference

Several factors contribute to Moffitt's exceptional outcomes:

• Specialized Focus: A dedicated mesothelioma team within the Thoracic Oncology Program
• Innovative Technology: Pioneer application of IMRT and other advanced treatment modalities
• Clinical Trial Access: Robust research program with multiple active mesothelioma trials
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists working as an integrated team
• Patient Support Infrastructure: Comprehensive services including free lodging and clinical trial coordination

"Moffitt's survival outcomes for mesothelioma patients—nearly two and a half times the national average—demonstrate what's possible when patients receive care at specialized high-volume centers. This is why we always encourage families to explore their options at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

What Is the History of Moffitt Cancer Center?

The story of Moffitt Cancer Center begins with one man's determination to address a public health crisis. H. Lee Moffitt, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, was shocked to discover Florida's exceptionally high cancer mortality rates and made creating a comprehensive cancer center his legislative mission.

Founding Timeline

• 1981: Florida Legislature passes bill to create H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
• 1983: Groundbreaking for $70 million, 162-bed facility
• October 27, 1986: Moffitt Cancer Center opens with 409 team members
• 1989: Blood and Marrow Transplant Program opens
• 1992: First scientist joins; research recruitment begins
• 1995: 100,000-square-foot Moffitt Research Center opens with $12 million state funding
• 1998: Earned NCI Cancer Center Support Grant—becoming Florida's only NCI-designated center
• 1999 and 2003: Expansions nearly double research center size
• 2012: Dedicated Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center unveiled

Innovative Funding Model

Moffitt was created through a unique partnership. H. Lee Moffitt worked with University of South Florida College of Medicine Dean Andor Szentivanyi to secure community and legislative support. Crucially, funding came from a small percentage of state cigarette tax revenue—an approach that connected tobacco-related funding to cancer treatment in a meaningful way.

ℹ️ Only in Florida: Moffitt remains Florida's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—a distinction that brings world-class cancer research and treatment to the Southeast.

Which Physicians Lead Moffitt's Mesothelioma Program?

Moffitt's mesothelioma team brings together experts in thoracic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology who collaborate closely on every patient's care.

Dr. Jacques P. Fontaine, MD — Thoracic Surgery

Dr. Fontaine is a thoracic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma who works closely with the medical and radiation oncology teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans. His surgical expertise encompasses both traditional and minimally invasive approaches to mesothelioma treatment.

Dr. Tawee Tanvetyanon, MD — Medical Oncology

Dr. Tanvetyanon serves as Principal Investigator for several mesothelioma clinical trials at Moffitt, including the Phase III trial examining durvalumab (MEDI4736) combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced pleural mesothelioma. His research focuses on improving survival outcomes through novel therapeutic combinations.

Dr. Alberto Chiappori, MD — Medical Oncology

Dr. Chiappori leads the Phase II study evaluating the combination of nivolumab (Opdivo) and ramucirumab (Cyramza) for previously-treated mesothelioma patients, examining progression-free survival as the primary endpoint. His expertise in immunotherapy has positioned Moffitt at the forefront of mesothelioma research.

Dr. Carlos A. Perez, MD — Radiation Oncology Pioneer

Dr. Perez is a radiation oncologist who pioneered the application of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for mesothelioma treatment. This advanced technique allows safe delivery of high-dose radiation while minimizing harm to healthy surrounding tissue. That pioneering work carries forward in Moffitt's current trial roster, including a Memorial Sloan Kettering-sponsored, multi-institutional study combining IMRT with pleurectomy/decortication for locally advanced pleural mesothelioma.

"The physicians at specialized mesothelioma centers are advancing treatments that simply weren't available years ago. IMRT technology, immunotherapy combinations, and other innovations are giving patients options and hope that didn't exist for earlier generations."

— David Foster, Client Advocate, Danziger & De Llano

What Treatment Options Does Moffitt Offer?

Moffitt provides comprehensive multimodal treatment for mesothelioma, combining surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy based on each patient's individual disease characteristics.

Surgical Oncology

Moffitt's thoracic surgeons offer the full range of surgical approaches:

• Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): Lung-sparing surgery to remove diseased tissue
• Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): Complete removal of affected lung and surrounding structures
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Advanced robotic and video-assisted approaches
• Cytoreductive Surgery: For peritoneal mesothelioma patients

Radiation Therapy

Moffitt has pioneered advanced radiation approaches for mesothelioma:

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Precisely targeted high-dose radiation that spares healthy tissue
• Adjuvant Radiation: Post-surgical treatment to address residual disease
• Combination Protocols: Radiation integrated with immunotherapy in clinical trials

Medical Oncology

• Standard pemetrexed/cisplatin chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy including checkpoint inhibitors
• Targeted chemoperfusion—chemotherapy delivered directly to blood vessels feeding tumors
• Novel agents through clinical trial participation

Innovative Approaches

• Photodynamic therapies
• Gene therapy research
• Heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal mesothelioma

✓ 2.5x Survival Rate: Moffitt's mesothelioma treatment outcomes are nearly 2.5 times higher than the national average—demonstrating the value of specialized, high-volume center care.

What Clinical Trials Are Available at Moffitt?

Moffitt maintains an active mesothelioma clinical research program spanning immunotherapy, radiation, surgery, and cellular therapy, with trial registrations confirmed directly against ClinicalTrials.gov.

Currently Recruiting or Active

Pleurectomy/Decortication with Adjuvant Chemotherapy and IMRT (NCT00715611): This Memorial Sloan Kettering-sponsored trial combines pemetrexed plus cisplatin or carboplatin with intensity-modulated radiation therapy in patients undergoing pleurectomy/decortication for locally advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma. Moffitt Cancer Center is a confirmed participating site. Status: active, not recruiting; primary completion expected July 2026.

SynKIR-110 Mesothelin-Targeted Cell Therapy (NCT05568680): A Phase 1 trial of SynKIR-110, an autologous mesothelin-targeted KIR-CAR T-cell therapy sponsored by Verismo Therapeutics, for patients with mesothelin-expressing ovarian cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or mesothelioma. Moffitt Cancer Center is a confirmed participating site, and the trial is actively recruiting.

Completed or Closed Trials

Durvalumab Phase III Trial (NCT04334759, "DREAM3R"): Tested durvalumab plus chemotherapy — with an additional ipilimumab-and-nivolumab arm — as first-line treatment for advanced pleural mesothelioma, with overall survival as the primary endpoint. Moffitt Cancer Center was a confirmed participating site. Status: completed, with primary completion in June 2025.

Nivolumab + Ramucirumab Phase II Trial (NCT03502746): Evaluated the combination of nivolumab (Opdivo) and ramucirumab (Cyramza) for previously-treated mesothelioma patients, examining progression-free survival. Moffitt Cancer Center was a confirmed participating site. Status: terminated, per the registry, for IRB study closure.

Transarterial Chemoperfusion Phase II Trial (NCT02611037): Tested safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoperfusion with cisplatin, gemcitabine, and methotrexate for unresectable pleural mesothelioma. Moffitt Cancer Center was the trial site. Status: completed, with primary completion in October 2021.

Historical Research Contributions

• October 2012: Joined National Cancer Institute in Phase Ib study of CRS 207 vaccine and immunotherapy
• NGR-TNF Trial: Phase III study of treatment engineered to kill mesothelioma tumor cells
• Total Cancer Care Initiative: Since 2006, enrolled over 76,000 cancer patients for molecular profiling—providing data that informs personalized treatment approaches

How Can Florida Workers Access Care at Moffitt?

As Florida's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt serves patients throughout the state and the southeastern United States who may have been exposed to asbestos in various industries.

Florida Exposure Sources

Workers throughout Florida may have encountered asbestos at:

• Shipyards: Jacksonville, Tampa, and other port facilities
• Power Plants: Electrical generating stations throughout the state
• Phosphate Mining: Central Florida's extensive mining operations
• Construction: Renovation and demolition of older buildings
• Manufacturing: Industrial facilities across the state
• Military Installations: Naval bases and other military facilities

Veterans in Florida

Florida is home to one of the nation's largest veteran populations. Military veterans throughout the state may have been exposed to asbestos during service, particularly those who served in the Navy or worked at military installations. Veterans can pursue both VA benefits and legal compensation simultaneously.

"Florida's industrial history includes significant asbestos exposure in shipyards, power plants, and manufacturing facilities. Moffitt's location in Tampa makes world-class mesothelioma care accessible to workers and families throughout the state and Southeast region."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

What Support Services Help Patients and Families?

Moffitt provides comprehensive support services that extend beyond medical treatment, recognizing that patients and families face challenges on multiple fronts.

Magnolia Lodging Program

Established in 1994, Moffitt's Magnolia Lodging Program provides approximately 14,600 nights of free lodging annually for patients and caregivers traveling to Tampa for treatment. This support removes a significant barrier for patients who live outside the immediate Tampa area.

Clinical Trial Support

Moffitt maintains a robust patient enrollment and support system for clinical trial participants. The trained support network helps patients navigate the additional requirements of research participation while ensuring they receive coordinated care.

Comprehensive Patient Services

• Social Work: Professional assistance with care coordination and emotional support
• Patient Navigation: Dedicated staff to guide patients through complex treatment journeys
• Nutrition Counseling: Dietary guidance to support treatment and recovery
• Mental Health Services: Psychological support for patients and families
• Financial Counseling: Help understanding insurance and assistance options

Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation

The Foundation provides financial assistance programs for patients facing treatment-related expenses, helping ensure that financial barriers don't prevent access to care.

What Financial Resources Are Available for Treatment?

Mesothelioma treatment costs can be substantial, but multiple resources exist to help patients and families manage these expenses.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Over $30 billion remains available in 60+ asbestos bankruptcy trust funds established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos products:

• Multiple Trust Eligibility: Most patients qualify for 5+ trusts based on exposure history
• Expedited Processing: Some trusts pay within 90 days
• No Trial Required: Trust fund claims are processed administratively

Legal Compensation Options

Beyond trust funds, mesothelioma patients may pursue:

• Personal Injury Lawsuits: Against companies responsible for asbestos exposure
• Wrongful Death Claims: For families who have lost loved ones
• Settlement Negotiations: Often resolved faster than trial
• VA Benefits: For veterans (can be pursued simultaneously with legal claims)

⚠️ Important: Florida has specific statutes of limitations for asbestos claims. The time to file may be limited from the date of diagnosis. Consulting with an experienced mesothelioma attorney promptly can help protect your legal rights.

How Does Treatment Connect to Legal Compensation?

The medical documentation generated during treatment at specialized centers like Moffitt can become critical evidence for legal claims.

Medical Records as Legal Evidence

The diagnostic process generates detailed documentation supporting compensation claims:

• Pathology Reports: Confirm mesothelioma diagnosis and cell type
• Imaging Studies: Document disease extent and progression
• Treatment Records: Establish medical expenses and ongoing care needs
• Work History Documentation: Often gathered during medical intake

Why Specialized Centers Matter for Legal Claims

Treatment at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center provides advantages for legal purposes:

• Expert pathology review confirming diagnosis
• Detailed documentation of disease characteristics
• Access to physicians who may provide testimony if needed
• Comprehensive treatment records supporting damages claims

Coordinating Care and Legal Claims

Patients can pursue both medical treatment and legal compensation simultaneously. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help preserve critical evidence, identify all responsible parties, and file claims within applicable deadlines—all while patients focus on their treatment.