Top Stories of 2024
As we look back on the year, it is clear 2024 was packed with moments that shaped the future of cancer research, patient care and community impact. From groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment to leadership transitions, this year has been filled with major milestones at Moffitt Cancer Center. As the year draws to a close, let’s look at some of the biggest moments that made 2024 a year to remember.
TIL Therapy Receives FDA Approval for Melanoma. Moffit’s groundbreaking tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for advanced metastatic melanoma received Federal Drug Administration approval in February, marking the first cell therapy for solid tumors. TIL uses a patient’s immune cells to fight cancer and offers a new option for patients who have exhausted standard therapies. On March 26, Moffitt treated its first commercial patient, Bill Hoffman.
Members of Moffitt’s Interventional Pulmonology Program showcase the new Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy platform.
Robotic Bronchoscopy Platform Launches. In April, the Interventional Pulmonology Program at Moffitt unveiled its new Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy platform. This technology uses advanced fiber optics and a small catheter to reach all areas of the lung. It allows physicians to visualize and access heard-to-reach lesions, helping to diagnose lung cancer early.
Moffitt First To Offer New Lung Cancer Therapy. In May, Moffitt became the first health care provider in the U.S. to treat a patient with extensive small cell lung cancer using the newly FDA-approved drug tarlatamab. This treatment uses an engineered antibody to help the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. Moffitt’s successful launch of tarlatamab marks a significant advancement of a disease with historically low survival rates.
$2 Million Gift Creates Nursing Scholarship Fund. Doreen Dimmitt, a survivor of advanced appendix cancer, and her husband Richard made a $2 million donation to Moffitt to establish the Doreen Dimmitt Excellence in Nursing Scholarship Fund. The fund supports nursing education, training programs and technology, ensuring future excellence in cancer care.
Karen Lu, MD, joined Moffitt as the new executive vice president and physician-in-chief in June.
Get to Know Dr. Karen Lu. In June, Karen Lu, MD, joined Moffitt as the new executive vice president and physician-in-chief. As a nationally recognized physician-scientist, Lu focuses her clinical and research interests on the surgical and medical treatment of women with ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as the management of women at genetically high risk for these cancers. She is dedicated to advancing cancer research and treatment.
Passing the Torch: Ferman’s Legacy and Barnett’s New Role at Moffitt. After 25 years of service on Moffitt’s Board of Directors, Celia Ferman reflects on her legacy of supporting cancer care, including creating the mobile lung screening unit. As she steps down, she passes the torch to Ashley Bell Barnett, a new board member who aims to strengthen ties between Moffitt and Polk County. Ferman will continue her involvement as chair of Moffitt’s Emeritus Board, supporting growth and community outreach.
Magnet Designation Represents the Best of Nursing at Moffitt. Moffitt nurses received Magnet redesignation in June, recognizing exceptional nursing standards, quality of care and the difference nurses make in patient outcomes. The redesignation process involved preparing detailed documentation and engaging the nursing team in creative initiatives.
Tracy Simpson looked all over the Tampa Bay area for childcare but instantly fell in love with the Moffitt Child Development Center.
Moffitt’s Child Development Center Celebrates 30 Years. For three decades, Moffitt’s Child Development Center has provided on-site childcare for employees to help working parents balance their careers and family life. The center offers a warm, convenient environment with a robust curriculum, giving parents peace of mind at work.
SouthShore Brings Care to South Hillsborough Patients. Moffitt at SouthShore is on track to open Jan. 27, 2025, bringing specialized cancer care closer to patients in south Hillsborough County. The 75,000-square-foot campus will offer radiology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and expert consultations. SouthShore is expected to serve 9,000 patients within its first year.
FDA Approves Tecelra for Rare Soft Tissue Cancer. In August, the FDA approved Tecelra, a groundbreaking gene therapy for metastatic synovial sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Moffitt was involved in the clinical trials for the first-ever engineered T-cell receptor therapy for solid tumors. Tecelra uses modified T cells from the patient to target cancer cells.
The top beam is placed on the proton therapy unit on the Speros FL campus on Aug. 30.
Moffitt Celebrates Proton Therapy at Speros. Moffitt hit a significant milestone in September at its Speros FL campus with the topping out of its proton therapy unit. Set to open in 2026, the until will feature advanced proton therapy technology offering precision treatment for patients, especially those with cancer near critical tissues like the brain or spine. Speros will also provide proton therapy for select pediatric patients, expanding Moffitt’s capabilities in cutting-edge cancer care.
The Moffitt Cancer Center team surprises Cole Thompson for his 21st birthday — the same day Hurricane Helene battered the Gulf.
Birthday Joy Amid Hurricane Helene. Cole Thompson, diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing sarcoma, celebrated his 21st birthday at Moffitt during Hurricane Helene, where his care team made the day unforgettable despite the storm. Staff surprised Cole with decorations, cupcakes and a birthday song. He was touched by the kindness and support of the hospital staff, whom he now considers family.
Moffitt Hosts Florida’s First Mobile Lung Screening Event. In November, Moffitt made history with Florida’s first-ever mobile lung screening event hosted in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County. Nine people received low-dose CT scans to check for signs of lung cancer. Moffitt aims to increase access to screenings with the launch of the mobile lung cancer screening unit, which can save lives by detecting the disease early.
Patient Receives Second CART T Therapy for Ovarian Cancer. In November, Marisol Gallagher became the first ovarian cancer patient to receive a second round of CAR T-cell therapy at Moffitt after FDA approval. Initially treated in 2023, the treatment helped shrink her tumors, and the second infusion aims to target the remaining cancer. Gallagher’s response has been positive, offering hope to others with ovarian cancer.
Miles for Moffitt has raised more than $1.2 million.
Miles for Moffitt Attracts Record-Breaking Number of Participants. Over 10,000 people participated in the 19th annual event in downtown Tampa. More than $1.2 million was raised to support cancer research at Moffitt.
