Behind the Scenes of Cancer Research: Moffitt’s Non-Therapeutic Research Office (NTRO) Powers Breakthroughs

The Non-Therapeutic Research Office (NTRO) at Moffitt Cancer Center plays an instrumental role in advancing oncology research by facilitating studies focused on the prevention, risk assessment, early detection and biological mechanisms of cancer. Unlike clinical trials, which evaluate the effectiveness of promising new treatments and provide direct therapeutic benefits to patient participants, non-therapeutic research aims to broaden the scientific understanding of cancer. This is accomplished through the analysis of biospecimens, imaging studies, genetic profiling and patient-reported outcomes. By overseeing and supporting initiatives such as Total Cancer Care® (TCC), the NTRO helps researchers gather essential information that drives precision medicine and contributes to the development of innovative diagnostic tools and personalized cancer prevention strategies.

As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt is a globally recognized leader in oncology data science. We are committed to powering scientific breakthroughs that improve cancer care and patient outcomes. The NTRO supports this mission by ensuring that researchers have access to high-quality data and critical resources, allowing them to explore key aspects of cancer biology, epidemiology and patient experiences. Through close collaboration among scientists, clinicians and patients, the NTRO helps bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, furthering our progress toward our goal of preventing and curing cancer.

What is non-therapeutic research and why is it important?

Non-therapeutic research is designed to broaden the general understanding of disease mechanisms, risk factors and early detection opportunities. These data-driven studies are shaping the future of cancer care by identifying trends, refining diagnostic tools and informing targeted treatment approaches.

How non-therapeutic research differs from clinical trials

Both non-therapeutic research and clinical trials are at the heart of all medical advancements; however, each type of research serves a distinct purpose. Clinical trials directly impact patient care by assessing the effectiveness of novel drugs and drug combinations, radiation delivery techniques and surgical procedures in comparison to the current standard of care. By participating in these important studies, patients can be among the first to benefit from promising new therapies—before those options are made widely available in other settings. In addition to gaining access to cutting-edge treatments, many participants are motivated by the altruistic desire to contribute to medical research and potentially help future generations by advancing treatments and cures.

In contrast, non-therapeutic research focuses on collecting data to expand the scientific knowledge base, improve risk assessments and refine prevention strategies. As such, this evidence-based research is instrumental in laying the groundwork for future clinical applications.

The NTRO’s role in personalized medicine, epidemiology and predictive analytics

The NTRO at Moffitt is central to advancing cancer research in several fundamental areas:

• Personalized medicine – By facilitating the analysis of genetic and molecular patient data, the NTRO helps researchers identify biomarkers that can guide individualized treatment planning, enabling more precise targeting of therapies based on a patient’s unique cancer profile.
• Epidemiology – The NTRO supports studies that examine cancer trends, risk factors and population health patterns. This oncology data analysis helps researchers pinpoint environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that can influence or contribute to the development of cancer, informing both prevention and screening programs.
• Predictive analytics – Using advanced data modeling and artificial intelligence, the NTRO contributes to the development of predictive tools that can assess cancer risk and prognosis. These insights can aid clinicians in making proactive decisions, optimizing patient outcomes and avoiding unnecessary interventions.

The power of data: How NTRO collects and uses patient information

To identify patterns, improve cancer prevention strategies and advance personalized medicine, the NTRO at Moffitt collects and organizes extensive cancer patient data, gathering information from:

• Medical records – A patient’s charts and health files can provide a detailed history of their diagnosis, treatment and outcome.
• Pathology reports – A pathologist’s description of a tissue sample or body fluid can offer valuable insights into the characteristics of a tumor on a molecular level.
• Patient questionnaires – A patient’s survey responses can capture their real-world experiences, symptoms and quality-of-life factors, adding helpful context to their clinical data.

The NTRO utilizes advanced data analytics and predictive modeling to translate this data into meaningful research findings that drive innovation in cancer care. A prime example of the NTRO’s impact is Moffitt’s TCC study, one of the most comprehensive cancer data collection initiatives in the world. Through TCC, the NTRO collaborates with patients to collect biological samples and clinical data over their lifetime, creating a robust dataset for precision medicine research. This revolutionary initiative has led to groundbreaking discoveries in risk assessment models, biomarker identification and personalized treatment strategies, reinforcing Moffitt’s leadership in oncology data science and solidifying our reputation as one of the nation’s best cancer research centers.

How NTRO supports breakthroughs in cancer treatment

The insights gained from NTRO-supported research have helped scientists use mathematical modeling combined with dynamic biomarkers for predicting how patients will respond to specific cancer treatments. For example, NTRO data has contributed to the identification of genetic mutations associated with improved responses to immunotherapy, paving the way for more targeted cancer treatments. Additionally, the office has played a central role in studies that have advanced liquid biopsy techniques, making it easier to detect and monitor cancer with a relatively simple blood test.

Beyond Moffitt, the NTRO collaborates with national cancer research initiatives and pharmaceutical studies to further expand the impact of its data-driven research. By working with organizations such as the NCI and leading biotech companies, the NTRO helps bridge the gap between academic research and clinical application. These partnerships ensure that cutting-edge discoveries are translated into real-world treatment options, ultimately improving patient outcomes on a national and global scale. Through its dedication to research and collaboration, the NTRO continues to be a driving force behind some of the most significant advancements in oncology today.

Careers in non-therapeutic research: opportunities at Moffitt

If you are interested in pursuing a career in non-therapeutic research, consider Moffitt, where you can contribute to groundbreaking oncology studies in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Consistently recognized as a top employer in cancer research, Moffitt provides employees with access to state-of-the-art resources, professional development opportunities and a mission-driven workplace dedicated to improving cancer care.

One of the primary career paths within the NTRO at Moffitt is the Research Coordinator (RC) role, which is divided into four levels with increasing responsibilities:

• NTRO Research Coordinator I: Entry-level role focused on recruiting study participants, collecting specimens and data, and supporting low-complexity studies under close supervision.
• NTRO Research Coordinator II: Supports participant recruitment and data/specimen collection for moderately complex studies, with added responsibilities like limited data entry and increased independence.
• NTRO Research Coordinator III: Manages participant recruitment and data collection for moderately to highly complex studies, while also handling quality assurance, intern oversight, and limited data entry.
• NTRO Research Coordinator IV: Serves as the team lead for non-therapeutic research, mentoring junior staff while overseeing quality assurance, regulatory functions, study administration, and occasionally participant recruitment and data collection.

Moffitt’s commitment to professional growth ensures that the NTRO team members have myriad opportunities to advance their career through mentorship, specialized training and engagement in high-impact research initiatives. Whether they are starting in an entry-level position or progressing to a leadership role, the non-therapeutic research professionals at Moffitt can gain valuable experience in oncology data science, clinical research and precision medicine. 

Why Choose Moffitt for a research career in oncology?

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of many people touched by cancer? If you have a strong analytical and problem-solving mindset complemented by a curious and persistent nature, you may be well-suited for a career in cancer research in the NTRO at Moffitt. Explore our non-therapeutic research opportunities today. Moffitt is proud to be a nationally recognized institution that is shaping the future of cancer care. Join our team and embark on a fulfilling career where you can make a true impact.