Where can you access advanced cancer treatment?
Two common questions patients ask are: Where can I find the most advanced treatments — and how do I know what’s right for me?
Today, many of the latest therapies, diagnostic tools and clinical trials are available beyond academic institutions. Community-based oncology providers, such as Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), are helping expand access to cutting-edge care in more convenient local settings.
As one of the largest community oncology practices in the country, FCS provides patients with access to advanced diagnostics, innovative therapies and one of the most robust clinical research programs in the state. Here’s what patients should know about today’s most important advancements in cancer care.
Precision medicine: Treatment tailored to your cancer
Precision medicine recognizes that every cancer is biologically unique. Even when two patients share the same diagnosis, their tumors may behave differently based on their genetic makeup. By understanding these differences, oncologists can design treatment plans that target the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer.
This approach often leads to more effective therapies with fewer unnecessary side effects. At FCS, precision medicine is a core part of treatment planning, supported by advanced diagnostic tools and a dedicated team of specialists who interpret complex genomic information to guide faster therapy decisions.
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Molecular and genomic testing: The foundation of personalized care
Molecular and genomic testing — sometimes referred to as biomarker testing — is essential to modern cancer treatment. These tests analyze the DNA and other biological features of a tumor to uncover mutations, protein expressions and other markers that influence how the cancer grows and responds to treatment.
FCS offers state‑of‑the‑art next‑generation sequencing (NGS) through its in-house laboratory, which performs genomic testing on both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. These insights help personalize therapy, improve outcomes and identify the treatments most likely to be effective for each patient’s cancer.
This testing also helps determine whether a patient may benefit from immunotherapy. It can also qualify them for a clinical trial targeting a specific mutation.
Clinical trials: Access to tomorrow’s treatments today
Clinical trials are a vital part of advancing cancer care, and FCS is recognized nationally for its leadership in oncology research. FCS offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. Additionally, many of the cancer drugs approved in the U.S. in recent years were studied in trials that included FCS participation.
These trials provide patients with access to promising new therapies — often years before they become widely available. All studies follow strict safety standards, and participants receive at least the current standard of care.
Patients can explore open trials through the FCS Clinical Trial Navigator and search by cancer type, location and line of therapy.
Explore current trials: FCS Clinical Trial Navigator
Innovation in oncology
The future of cancer care is being shaped by rapid advancements in research and technology. Some of the most promising developments are:
- Next-generation targeted therapies designed to address rare or complex genetic mutations.
- Immunotherapies that help the immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Cell-based therapies, including CAR T-cell treatments for certain blood cancers.
- Liquid biopsies, which detect cancer through a simple blood draw.
- AI-supported treatment planning to enhance precision and clinical decision-making.
