SCIENTIFIC REPORT 2004 - Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

I N T R O D U C T I O N A N D P R O G R E S S R E P O R T
I N T R O D U C T I O N A N D
P R O G R E S S R E P O R T
W. Jarrard Goodwin, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Director, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
INTRODUCTION
Since publishing our last Scientific Report in
2002, much has changed at the University of
Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
We have recruited more than 25 new faculty
members, most of whom are physician-scientists,
reflecting our commitment to translational
research. Our Institutional Review Board has
approved and opened 160 therapeutic clinical trials.
We have strengthened our five multidisciplinary
research programs and opened new shared
resources, most notably the Population Research
Core that supports population-based cancer
prevention and control research at UM/Sylvester.
With assistance from the Population Research
Core, we are increasing the diversity of clinical
trial participants to represent the racial, ethnic,
and socioeconomic composition of South
Florida’s diverse and unique community. Much
of this has been done under the thoughtful leadership
of Joseph D. Rosenblatt, M.D., associate
director, clinical and translational research, and
the several senior scientists he’s already brought
to South Florida. Dr. Rosenblatt joined the
University of Miami School of Medicine in 2001
as division chief of Hematology-Oncology.
His presence can be felt everywhere.
UM/Sylvester’s Best Friend
Many of you may have known or heard about Jay
W. Weiss, whom we often describe as the “best
friend UM/Sylvester will ever have.” As chairman
of the board of governors, Jay led UM/Sylvester
during its most challenging years, and did so with
integrity, tenacity, and grace. Jay’s vision and
leadership continually invigorated and inspired us
to reach new heights. To Jay, who lost his battle
with cancer earlier this year, and the many others
who continue to support UM/Sylvester each and
every day, we dedicate this report. As we continue
our quest to cure cancer and to ensure the best
possible quality of life for those suffering from
this disease, we know we do so with the support
of many friends and colleagues. During the past
two years, UM/Sylvester has been the proud recipient
of nearly $56 million in cancer-related
research grants and more than $17 million in
philanthropy (to support research). We continually
are expanding our research and clinical facilities
and planning for the day when we can start
building much-needed new infrastructure.
Cancer Incidence and Death Rates
Despite all the success we’ve had as a nation and
the important research that’s underway across
the globe, cancer remains a threat to this society.
According to the American Cancer Society, 1.3
million new cancer cases will be reported this
year, and Florida stands second only to California,
projecting more than 96,000 new cancer
cases in 2004. But we have made progress, which
I highlight below. According to the Annual
Report to the Nation, 1 Americans’ risk of getting
and dying from cancer continues to decline
and survival rates for many cancers continue
to improve:
• Both overall observed cancer incidence rates
and death rates from all cancers combined have
dropped.
• We’ve seen the first ever drops in lung cancer
incidence rates in women.
• The percentage of patients who have survived
more than five years post-diagnosis has
increased in the past two decades.
UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Scientific Report 2004
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