News Summary
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute has appointed Dr. Ameet Patel, a triple board-certified specialist in cellular therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Dr. Patel will enhance patient care in Pinellas County, focusing on CAR T-cell therapy and clinical trial research. His expertise, combined with the institute’s expansion in cancer treatment accessibility, underscores their commitment to innovative oncology solutions, including state-of-the-art proton therapy facilities to serve local patients effectively.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has announced the addition of Dr. Ameet Patel to their team as a specialist in cellular therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Dr. Patel will provide his expertise to patients in Pinellas County at two locations: FCS St. Petersburg – St. Anthony’s and FCS St. Petersburg – Pasadena.
Dr. Patel is triple board certified and brings a special interest in CAR T-cell therapy and bone marrow transplants to FCS. His valuable contributions extend beyond patient care, as he is actively engaged in clinical trial research across all phases, from Phase 1 to Phase 3. His experience and dedication sparked recognition from his peers, highlighting his commitment to improving the quality of cancer care.
In addition to Dr. Patel’s hiring, Florida Cancer Specialists is expanding its efforts to ensure greater accessibility to cutting-edge cancer treatments. The institute has been recognized as a leader in oncology care for over 40 years, operating a comprehensive clinical research program that focuses on innovative treatments.
Insights on Dr. Patel’s Background
Dr. Patel earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. His residency was completed at the University of Maryland Medical Center, followed by a hematology/oncology fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he served as chief fellow. Additionally, he holds a Master of Management in healthcare from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management, further encapsulating his dual focus on medical excellence and healthcare administration.
Advancements in Cancer Treatment
As part of its mission to enhance cancer care, FCS is also among the frontrunners to offer patients access to various clinical trials, allowing individuals to benefit from new cancer drugs before they receive FDA approval. The institute emphasizes tailored treatment plans utilizing the latest advancements in precision oncology.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, the Southwest Florida Proton Oncology Center is set to revolutionize cancer treatment with the installation of a new, state-of-the-art proton therapy machine called Proteus One. This advanced equipment, costing over $20 million, will be one of only 45 of its kind worldwide and is designed to deliver targeted radiation therapy while sparing healthy tissues.
The cyclotron that powers the Proteus One machine was shipped from Belgium and is now being installed at the new Fort Myers Oncology Center. Currently, patients seeking proton therapy must travel to Miami for treatment, highlighting the significant need for local access to these vital services. Once operational, the new proton therapy center is expected to serve around two million residents in Southwest Florida.
Timeline for Launch and Facilities Update
The installation and commissioning process for the new proton therapy machine is estimated to take about nine months. This timeline allows for thorough testing and preparation to ensure the best outcomes for patients once the machine becomes operational.
Furthermore, Florida Oncology and Hematology has recently relocated its Fort Myers clinic to a new, expanded facility. The newly opened clinic includes 12 exam rooms, nearly 30 infusion chairs, and onsite lab services, aiming to meet the increasing need for high-quality cancer treatment. The board-certified medical oncologists at the new location will continue to accept patients and uphold FCS’s commitment to providing excellent care.
As part of the American Oncology Network, Florida Oncology and Hematology is also enhancing patients’ access to advanced cancer services, which include in-house specialty pharmacy services among other support mechanisms. This collaborative approach is driving innovative solutions for community-based oncology practices, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment options close to home.
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Additional Resources
- South Florida Hospital News
- Wikipedia: Cancer treatment
- Fox 4 News
- Google Search: cancer therapy
- WINK News
- Google Scholar: cancer research
- Globe Newswire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: cancer therapy
- Florida Weekly
- Google News: cancer treatment center
