Key AchievementsPsychology Service LineOur service line strengthens psychological well-being through:• Individual counseling• Patient and caregiver support groups• Specialty clinical psychology clinicsSupport GroupsEach month, we facilitate 12–15 psychoeducational support groups for patients and caregivers. These groups provide a safe, non-judgmental space to share experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, and lowering symptoms of anxiety, depression and chronic stress.Evidence-Based Therapies:We deliver therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to manage cancer-related distress.Crisis InterventionImmediate response is provided for patients experiencing acute crisis or severe psychological distress, ensuring safety and connecting individuals to ongoing support.Specialized AssessmentsWe conduct assessments and develop treatment protocols for patients facing neuropsychological changes (e.g., “chemo brain”) or at high risk for psychological and psychiatric complications. These evaluations inform strategies for improving safety, functional independence and psychoemotional stability, as well as recommendations for short- and long-term planning.Integrated CareOur team collaborates closely with oncologists, nurses, nurse navigators, social workers and palliative care teams to integrate mental health and psychological care into treatment plans.Distress MonitoringUsing the PROMIS distress screening questionnaire, we monitor psychoemotional distress and other quality-of-life factors. Over 7,000 patients per year receive follow-up outreach for further evaluation and supportive services.Academic PartnershipOur partnership with the University of Central Florida brings clinical psychology doctoral students into the cancer care ecosystem, enhancing patient-centered innovations through multidisciplinary collaboration.Looking AheadInnovations in Treatment• Bio- and NeurofeedbackWe plan to integrate bio- and neurofeedback into treatment protocols, utilizing EEG-based biofeedback to help patients regulate brain function and address cognitive deficits, pain, sleep, fatigue and emotional distress.Research Initiatives• Outcomes ResearchWe will expand research tracking psychological outcomes across the cancer care continuum — from diagnosis to survivorship. This includes evaluating the impact of psychosocial care, patient outcomes and quality of life, as well as methodologies to assess therapies such as CBT, mindfulness-based interventions and ACT.• Lifestyle and PreventionFuture research will explore behavior change topics such as smoking cessation, nutrition and physical activity to reduce cancer risk and improve survivorship.• Technology-Assisted CareWe are committed to exploring digital health tools, mobile apps and telehealth for delivering psychological interventions to our cancer population.Family Support Programs• Support for Children and FamiliesRecognizing that a cancer diagnosis disrupts family routines, we aim to develop programs centered around the children of our patients. These initiatives will focus on improving coping and resilience through activities like art therapy, mindfulness, individual counseling and support groups.ConclusionThe Integrative Medicine program remains dedicated to advancing wholeperson cancer care. Through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to evidence-based practice, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our patients and their families today and in the years ahead.51
Care Coordination The role of care coordination is to support the clinical team in facilitating the patient’s plan of care by coordinating medical services to improve patient outcomes and address social determinants to treatment. The team serves as the liaison between patients, family and community professionals to link patients and caregivers with resources to address social needs brought on by the diagnosis. The goal of the team is to:• Strengthen collaboration across clinical and non-clinical teams for integrated care. • Reduce delays in treatment by minimizing barriersto care. • Enhance patient outcomes through comprehensive needs assessments and individualized care planning.• Impact patient satisfaction by prioritizing patient care.• Support a multidisciplinary approach to ensure patients are introduced to the full range of services offered in alignment with their personalized treatment plans.The role of the team is to: • Support clinical team in facilitating the patient’s plan of care.• Coordinate medical services to assist patients in remaining independent at home and decrease rehospitalization.• Collaborate with community organizations to expand resource availability and connect patients and caregivers to critical support services.PatientNurseNavigatorCare CoordinationResources Clinical Team52BeforeStapleAfterStaple
Scan the QR code to see the full study manuscript Arts in Medicine for the Reduction of Pain and Stress in Cancer Patients During ChemotherapyArts in Medicine ProgramOrlando Health Cancer Institute’s Arts in Medicine program is offered through our Integrative Medicine program. This program provides our patients with the opportunity to engage in various forms of art while undergoing treatment. Whether it is painting, drawing or other creative endeavors, patients can express themselves artistically at any of the five Orlando Health Cancer Institute locations. One of the most significant aspects of this program is that it allows patients to make choices, regardless of how small, which can be incredibly empowering when facing a life-threatening illness. The mental and physical engagement in creating art helps patients focus on the present moment, providing a reprieve from the perception of time and any mild discomforts. This, in turn, helps alleviate some of the stress associated with their cancer diagnosis.Arts in Medicine Program Highlights• Our workshops are well attended and average 70% – 100% capacity.• In 2025, the program submitted 139 artworks to Metamorphosis at CityArts Orlando. •57 artists were specifically named in the exhibition, while more than 100 patients and caretakers participated in group projects.–The event generated $1,360 in sales this year, going towards the Arts in Medicine 2750 Foundation Fund.• Our Jewelry 101 class makes approximately 50 pairs of earrings a week, which are distributed throughout our locations. • In May 2025, the program published a study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, demonstrating the therapeutic effects of a 90-minute watercolor lesson during infusion therapy. – Rate of pain and stress are found in greater numbers in cancer patients than in the general population. Cancer patients often are concerned about unwanted side effects that can arise from taking medications to lower their pain and stress. Research indicates that visual artmaking shows promise to help improve perceptions of pain and stress caused by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The mixedmethod pilot study was conducted at Orlando Health Cancer Institute and included 54 participants to determine whether a 90-minute watercolor visual arts intervention was a viable option to reduce perceptions of pain and stress in adult cancer patients with mild to moderate pain and stress during outpatient chemotherapy sessions. The results indicated a significant decrease from pre-to post-ratings for both perceived pain and stress. This suggests that a watercolor visual art intervention is a viable and feasible nonpharmaceutical complementary alternative to opioid prescriptions for pain management. 53BeforeStapleAfterStaple
Music Therapy Orlando Health Cancer Institute is proud to provide music therapy services to patients and their families. Blending science and music to help address the unique needs of cancer patients and their families, music therapy services are provided by the board-certified music therapist on staff. What Is Music Therapy? Music therapy is a type of treatment where a trained and credentialed music therapist uses music to help patients reach health goals that are not about music – like reducing stress, improving mood or coping with pain. Our music therapists understands both medicine and music and creates sessions that fit our patients’ needs. Our music therapists use their knowledge of the body, mind and emotions to help patients feel better. They combine medical understanding with different therapy approaches to create care that supports both physical and emotional well-being. Sessions are personalized to each patient’s needs and can include listening to music, playing instruments, singing or creating music together. This approach blends science and creativity to make the treatment experience more comforting and supportive.Music Therapy Can Help in Several Ways• Calm anxiety and stress during treatment.• Manage pain without adding extra medication.• Provide an outlet for emotions, helping patients feel more in control.Music Therapy Program Highlights• In 2025, we provided 806 Music Therapy visits.• Services are available at our Downtown Orlando inpatient units at Orlando Health Cancer Institute and Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center.• We welcomed two new music therapy interns and will add another in January 2026.• We established a new academic partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University to train future music therapists.• We offer presentations to various teams and groups within the Orlando Health Network, including Nursing Summits and community-based health events.54BeforeStapleAfterStaple
To learn more, scan the QR code.Physical and Movement-Based ServicesThe Integrative Medicine program is committed to providing evidence based adjuncts to medical treatment to help address symptoms such as chemo induced nausea/vomiting, pain, fatigue and treatment related side effects. At Orlando Health Cancer Institute we believe providing massage therapy, acupuncture and yoga are not luxuries — they are evidence-based strategies to reduce symptom burden, improve quality of life and deliver holistic cancer care aligned with national standards and patient expectations. In 2025, hundredsof patients participated in these complementary and holistic modalities. Massage TherapyOncology massage provides clinically significant benefits, including pain relief, reduced nausea, improved sleep and decreased fatigue. It also alleviates anxiety and promotes relaxation without adding medication burden. Our highly trained therapists utilize specialized techniques to safely accommodate ports, lymphedema, bone metastases, surgical sites and other physical considerations. In 2025, more than 1,000 massage sessions were delivered to our patients.AcupunctureAcupuncture is a cornerstone of integrative oncology. It uses thin, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on the body, promoting neurovascular and neuroendocrine responses that help restore balance and reduce symptoms. Evidence-based research and practice highlight multiple benefits for cancer patients and survivors including a reduction in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, pain and neuropathy. YogaYoga is widely recognized as an evidence-based, mind-body intervention that complements conventional oncology treatments. It combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and mindfulness practices to address the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges of cancer and its treatment. At Orlando Health Cancer Institute, oncology-adapted yoga classes are offered regularly as part of the Integrative Medicine program, promoting flexibility, balance and stress reduction while fostering empowerment and community connection. In 2025, more than 280 yoga sessions were provided to outpatients.Laughter for Stress ReleaseLaughter therapy offers a structured approach to reducing stress and enhancing emotional resilience. Guided sessions use intentional laughter and breathing techniques to lower cortisol, improve circulation and release endorphins. These physiological benefits help alleviate anxiety, pain and fatigue while fostering social connection and joy. Laughter therapy supports coping during treatment and promotes overall well-being without adding medication burden.Sound HealingSound healing immerses participants in therapeutic vibrations from instruments such as crystal bowls and gongs. These sound frequencies promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, and help regulate the nervous system. Evidence suggests sound therapy can ease anxiety, improve sleep and support emotional balance, complementing conventional cancer care. 55BeforeStapleAfterStaple
56
Clinical Outcomes57
Quality ProgramThe Orlando Health Cancer Institute Quality team aims to provide the highest quality cancer care in Central Florida. The care we deliver is the care we would want for our own loved ones. The Quality Department operates under three pillars: Clinical Quality, Patient Safety and Accreditations. Our comprehensive program includes six accreditations related to cancer care and a full team of quality staff members to support physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacy and support staff. We actively engage the staff in quality committee reviews and process improvements related to patient safety, timeliness of care, symptom management, reduction of ED visits and unplanned hospital admissions, inpatient care improvements, transitions of care, and much more. We remain dedicated in our commitment to provide high-quality cancer care while expanding access to cancer services and sharing with our community the clinical outcomes important to patients and their care teams.Quality Program Status and GrowthSince 2022, the Orlando Health Cancer Institute Quality Program has grown to a staff of 11 professionals, each collaborating with multiple cancer departments and operational leaders, to engage in continuous process improvements and patient safety efforts. While traditional quality programs are hospital based, ours is unique in that we hyperfocus on the quality of care of our patients wherever they are in their journey and in the Orlando Health system. Our team consists of quality nurses, accreditation and project coordinators, cancer registry and tumor board experts, a data analyst, and a biostatistician.58BeforeStapleAfterStaple
Quality Activities and Achievements• Developed a data dashboard to track cancer patients with ED visits or unplanned hospitalizations due to chemotherapy-related symptoms. The data helped to expand our Express Symptom Management clinic to provide timely symptom management and keep patients out of the hospital. – As a result of this effort, Orlando Health Cancer Insitute recevied the 2023 ACCC (Association of Community Cancer Centers) Innovator of the Year Award for expansion of Express Symptom Management via enhanced technology solutions. https://www.accc-cancer.org/home/about/awards/accc-innovator-awards/2023-winners/orlando-healthcancer-institute.• Cancer-surgery specific guidelines were developed to reduce the risk of post-operative VTE (venous thromboembolism). From 2023 to 2024, we reduced post-operative VTE rates by 74%. This process improvement was accepted at several conferences:– As a podium presentation at the American College of Surgeons 2025 Quality and Safety Conference– As a poster for the 2025 IHI Annual Forum– As a poster at the 2025 FLASCO Fall Congress•Developed electronic process to identify hospitalized patients with metastatic cancer and provide targeted interventions related to care coordination and post-discharge follow-up. The interventions helped reduce readmissions and hospital length of stay for metastatic cancer patients. –Study was accepted for publication by the Journal of Oncology Practice in June 2025 https://doi.org/10.1200/OP-24-00708 • Transfer triage guidelines developed to help regional Orlando Health hospitals and free-standing EDs determine when and how urgently to transfer cancer patients to our downtown tertiary hospital (ORMC) for specialized cancer care.– Work accepted as an abstract for the 2025 ASCO Quality Care Symposium• Prioritized Timeliness of Care as a quality measure across all cancer specialties, with regular working groups to review and reduce barriers to timely care. –Internal quality study on Improving Timeliness of Biomarker Testing in Early-Stage NSCLC accepted as poster at the 2025 FLASCO Fall Congress• Collaborated with pharamcy, nursing and informatics teams to implement at-home Lupron injections for breast cancer patients with seamless tracking via MyChart®.– Accepted as a poster presentation at the 2026 NCCN Annual Conference.Program Highlights• Meet and exceed our accreditation standards and have been noted for our best practices by the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers• Clinical staff engaged among seven Specialty-specific Cancer Quality Committees• Leverage informatics and innovation partners to better streamline patient care• Environment of Care tracers used to assure safety and functionality of our environment for patients, staff and visitors• Close collaboration with Orlando Health Risk Management builds transparency, fosters a culture of safety and implements action plans•Ensuring coordinated cancer care by partnering with quality leaders across the Orlando Health system to facilitate transitions between inpatient and outpatient care • Management of Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences (Tumor Boards)• Management of the Orlando Health Cancer Registry case abstractions and reporting• Monitoring and improving cancer patient outcomes:– Reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to cancer treatments–Timeliness of care – Disease-specific scorecards for physicians and teams.– Annual quality key performance indicators for each disease-specific center of excellence• Data analysis for numerous cancer quality measures to support physicians and cancer leadership• Biostatistical analysis and project management for cancer quality projects across the institute59
Cancer Registry ReportThe Cancer Registry at Orlando Health Cancer Institute plays a pivotal role in supporting the oncology program through comprehensive cancer data management and analysis. By collecting detailed clinical, pathological and treatment information for every patient diagnosed and/or treated within the Orlando Health system, the registry ensures that accurate, highquality data is available to support patient care, research and public health initiatives.Data Contribution and ImpactRegistry data is submitted to the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS), the state’s centralized cancer registry and the National Cancer Database (NCDB). These submissions contribute to broader efforts in cancer surveillance, helping to monitor trends in incidence, mortality, diagnosis and treatment. The aggregated data informs state and national cancer control programs, supports policy development and enables research aimed at improving cancer prevention, screening and treatment outcomes.Local Utilization and Quality ImprovementAt the local level, Orlando Health leverages registry data for program development, quality improvement initiatives, outcomes analysis, and clinical research. The data helps identify at-risk populations for targeted education and screening and supports retrospective studies and participation in national quality initiatives and clinical trials. This reinforces Orlando Health’s commitment to evidence-based care and continuous improvement.Team Structure and OperationsThe Cancer Registry team includes a Cancer Conference Coordinator who manages all aspects of our Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences across the downtown campus and regional locations. The team also includes contracted Oncology Data Specialists (ODS-C) dedicated to monitoring follow-up data for over 45,000 patients, performing case reviews and abstracting cancer data from medical records for more than 6,000 reportable cases each year. These professionals ensure that each patient’s cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, are accurately documented in accordance with national standards. The team reports to the Cancer Registry Supervisor, who oversees data submissions, quality control and contractor management.Lifelong Patient Surveillance The Cancer Registry provides lifelong surveillance of cancer patients through annual follow-up, monitoring health status, and documenting any recurrence or changes in treatment. In 2024, the registry followed 104,037 analytic patients, successfully updating follow-up data for more than 45,354 individuals. This ongoing effort supports continuity of care and contributes to long-term outcomes analysis.Orlando Health Cancer Registry Activity: 2024 Statistical YearComplete Database: Reference Year 1997 to Present (Analytic Cases) 104,0372024 Total Cases (Analytic and Non-Analytic) 8,1932024 Analytic Cases 6,0762024 % Analytic Cases 74%60BeforeStapleAfterStaple
Data Scope and Institutional Reach The statistics presented in this report reflect cancer incidence data for 2024 across multiple Orlando Health facilities, including:• Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children• Orlando Health Cancer Institute• Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital• Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center• Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital(now Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital)• Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital• Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies• Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital• Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital• Orlando Health South Lake Hospital• Orlando Health – Health Central HospitalThis system-wide integration ensures comprehensive coverage of oncology services, supporting unified cancer surveillance, benchmarking, and research across the organization. By aligning data collection and reporting across all sites, Orlando Health strengthens its ability to monitor outcomes, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement in cancer care delivery.Strategic Growth and Professional Excellence• In 2024, Orlando Health expanded its Cancer Registry to include Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital and the East Region Hospitals—Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital and Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital. This strategic growth enhances the registry’s capacity to support cancer surveillance, quality initiatives and research across a broader geographic footprint. • Reflecting the evolving complexity of the role, the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) officially updated the professional credential from Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) to Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) on January 1, 2024. This change underscores the critical contributions of registry professionals in data analytics, clinical research, and quality reporting. As the demand for timely and accurate cancer data increases, registries are adopting advanced tools and workflows to meet evolving standards while maintaining rigorous data quality. Oncology Data Specialists are increasingly engaged in clinical research, outcomes analysis, and population health initiatives, serving as integral members of multidisciplinary teams.Summary of 2024 Analytics CasesThe cancer program at Orlando Health Cancer Institute has experienced consistent growth in new cancer incidence over the past five years. From 2020 to 2024, analytic cases increased from 4,218 to 6,076 representing a 44% growth. During the same period, the four-county primary service area (Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) saw an estimated 12% population growth, according to USAFacts.org data. This indicates that, even when accounting for population changes, more patients are being diagnosed or seeking treatment for cancer within Orlando Health facilities. The accompanying chart illustrates the annual comparison of analytic and non-analytic cases, highlighting the upward trend in analytic cases.Orlando Health Cancer Insitute: Analytic vs Non-Analytic Cases (2020-2024)Non-Analytic Analytic6,0005,0004,0003,0002,0001,00002020 2021 2022 2023 20247,0008,0009,0004,2182,0726,2904,3671,4125,7794,7228665,588 1,4347,0205,5868,1932,1176,07661
Top Cancer Incidence Sites ComparisonAn analysis of 2024 cancer incidence data from Orlando Health Cancer Institute, the Florida Cancer Data System, and the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts by State reveals consistent patterns across the top 10 cancer sites. These comparisons highlight Orlando Health’s alignment with broader trends while emphasizing its unique patient demographics and contributions to cancer surveillance through accurate reporting to FCDS and NCDB.Cancer Stage at DiagnosisCancer staging plays a critical role in guiding treatment decisions, assessing prognosis, and identifying opportunities for clinical trial participation. It describes the extent and location of the tumor at diagnosis, based on tumor size and spread. Early detection and treatment are generally associated with better outcomes. *Stage Not Applicable may pertain to certain blood cancers where tumor staging does not apply.Orlando Health Florida United StatesComparative Incidence of Top 10 Sites25.4%19.1%21.3%16.9%16.3%17.1%14.2%20.2%20.6%8.9%9.9%10.9%5.1%4.3%6.8%8.1%6.5%5.7%6.9%4.3%5.9%4.2%3.9%4.6%6.9%4.7%3.6%5.5%6.1%0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0%5.9%Female BreastBronchus and LungProstate GlandColorectalBlood Cancers (Leukemia, Myeloma) MelanomaPancreasLymphomaCorpus UteriKidneySummary AJCC Stage at Diagnosis 2024 Analytical CasesUnk./NotApplicable29%Stage 06%Stage 128%Stage 2Stage 3 13%10%Stage 414%62
Age Distribution of Cancer CasesAlthough cancer can occur at any age, the 2024 data from Orlando Health Cancer Institute shows that cancer incidence begins to rise notably in patients aged 40–49, with a sharp increase between 50–79 years. This trend aligns closely with national data reported by the American Cancer Society, which indicates that 80% of all cancers in the United States occur in individuals aged 55 and older. These findings reinforce the importance of targeted screening and prevention strategies for middle-aged and older adults, who represent much of the cancer burden both locally and nationally.Race and EthnicityMost cases were among individuals identified as White (67.7%), followed by Black (13.7%), and Other races (18.6%), with smaller proportions represented across Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, and multiracial groups. Ethnicity data revealed that 78.1% of patients were non-Hispanic, while 19.6% identified as Hispanic or Latino, including subgroups such as Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican, and South or Central American origins. These insights underscore the importance of culturally responsive care and targeted outreach efforts, ensuring equitable access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment across all communities served by Orlando Health.40.0%30.0%20.0%10.0%0.0%Age at Diagnosis<20 20-29 50-59 60-69 80-891.5% 830-39 40-49 70-79 90+1.7% 3.7%9.8%16.8%29.6% 26.8%8.9%1.2%Non-Hispanic78.1%Hispanic19.6%Undisclosed2.3%WhiteBlackAsianAmerican Indian or Alaska NativeNative Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderUndisclosedOther White67.7%UndisclosedOther 5.9%8.0%Black13.7%Asian3.7%American Indian or Alaska Native0.8%Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander0.1%63
Cancer ConferencesMultidisciplinary Cancer ConferencesMultidisciplinary Cancer Conferences (MCCs), previously known as Tumor Boards, are crucial at Orlando Health Cancer Institute for improving patient management and outcomes. Cancer Conferences include physician and ancillary representation from the following specialties, which provide support in treatment planning for patients:Cancer Conference Statistics The collaboration of these disciplines seamlessly integrates every aspect of care, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach throughout a patient’s cancer journey. Furthermore, these evidence-based discussions provide educational opportunities for physicians, fellows, residents, and other clinicians throughout the institution. MCCs leverage advanced teleconference technology to facilitate the remote viewing of pathological slides, nuclear medicine studies, and diagnostic scans. This setup enables healthcare professionals to participate virtually from multiple locations, ensuring that the quality of care remains consistent across the entire Cancer Institute. We manage 10 Adult and 2 Pediatric specialty-specific cancer conferences at the institute.Cancer Specialty Conference Type2025 Total number of conferencesFrequency of ConferencesBreast 53 WeeklyColorectal 50 WeeklyThoracic 50 WeeklyGynecological 11 MonthlyHematology 52 WeeklyHead & Neck 47 WeeklyGastrointestinal 50 WeeklyBrain & Spine 48 WeeklyMelanoma/Sarcoma 21 Twice a monthGenitourinary 22 Twice a monthPediatric Neurology 23 Twice a monthPediatric General 22 Twice a monthTotal 449• Pathology• Diagnostic Radiology• Nuclear Medicine• Surgical Oncology • Medical Oncology• Radiation Oncology • Plastic Surgery• Dental Oncology• Residents • Fellows• Nurse Navigation• Speech Pathology• Nutrition• Genetic Counseling• Physical Therapy• Patient Counseling• Clinical Research Staff• Other Allied Health StaffCancer Cases Presented at Conference by Year2,0001,5001,00050002021 2022 202582023 20242,5003,0003,5004,0003,2573,7993,1363,347 3,36064BeforeStapleAfterStaple
Cancer conference coordinators collaborate with providers and clinicians to organize patient scheduling and ensure that all necessary films, scans, and pathology slides are available for review. They diligently monitor conference activity to ensure compliance with Standard 2.5 from the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC). The CoC requires sites to present at least 15% of analytic cases, however we consistently present over 80% of our analytics caseload. These statistics include the following areas: Clinical and/or pathological stage, Prognostic indicators, Treatment planning using evidence-based national guidelines, Eligibility for genetic testing, Eligibility for clinical research studies and Eligibility for supportive care services as seen on the graph to the right.In addition, we’ve set an internal goal of 75% attendance and participation by representatives from Surgery, Pathology, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Oncology. We consistently meet and exceed our goal for attendance by these specialties.A process improvement collaboration between the cancer conference coordinator, the cancer registry team, and the electronic health record (Epic EHR) analyst leveraged tools in Epic to streamline tumor board scheduling, case presentation workflows, and standardized documentation.This work was chosen for presentation at the 2026 National Cancer Registrars Association Annual Education Conference.These metrics reflect the Cancer Institute’s commitment to comprehensive, collaborative care. The cancer conference schedule continues to expand with the recruitment of new providers and the growth of the Cancer Institute’s oncology services in Central Florida.2025 Multidisciplinary Participation40.0%20.0%0.0%Surgical Oncology860.0%80.0%100.0%95.7% 100.0%Medical Oncology Radiation Oncology Pathology Radiology99.6% 97.3% 100.0%Actual Goal =75%Commission on Cancer Standard 2.5 Essential Areas of Discussion for Cases40.0%20.0%0.0%Clinical and/orpathological stage60.0%80.0%100.0% 92.0%83.3%99.7% 100.0%92.3%Actual Goal =75%98.1%Prognostic Indicators Treatment planningusing evidence-basednational guidelines Eligibility for genetic testing (where applicable) Eligibility for clinical research studies(where applicable) Eligibility for supportive care services (where applicable) 65
Scholarly Publications and Research ImpactAuthored by Orlando Health Cancer Institute Staff in 2024-2025.2024Specialty PublicationBone Marrow Transplant and Cellular TherapyKhaled Y, Khaled SK, Varela JC, Hatton R, Le Nguyen HT, Deygoo S, Adams B, Smith M. Abatacept and Post Transplant Cyclophosphamide Based Regimen for Graft Versus Host Disease Prevention in High-Risk Stem Cell Transplantation from Unrelated Donor Is Safe and Feasible, with Low NonRelapse Mortality. Blood. 2024;144:4905. DOI:10.1182/blood-2024-198907Palliative Care Kollas CD, Ruiz K, Laughlin A. Effectiveness of Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain in an Outpatient Palliative Medicine Clinic. J Palliat Med. 2024;27(1):31-38. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2023.0251Colon Cancer Fei LYN, Patel SV, Popa T, Boudreau L, Caycedo-Marulanda A, Grin A, Wang T. Venous invasion detectable only by elastic stain shows weak prognostic value in colon cancer. Histopathology. 2024;84(6):1038-1046. https://doi.org/10.1111/his.15149Rectal Cancer Neary E, Ibrahim T, Verschoor CP, Zhang L, Patel SV, Chadi SA, Caycedo-Marulanda A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of oncological outcomes with transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. Colorectal Dis. 2024;26(5):837-850. https://doi.org/10.1111/codi.1698Lung Cancer Herrera LJ, Dadzie K. The evolving field of sublobar resection: in search of the optimal operation or the optimal definition. J Thorac Dis. 2024;16(5):3531-3534. https://doi.org/10.21037/jtd-24-267Breast CancerChavez-MacGregor M, Miao J, Pusztai L, Goetz MP, Rastogi P, Ganz PA, Mamounas EP, Paik S, Bandos H, Razaq W, O’Dea A, Kaklamani V, Silber ALM, Flaum LE, Andreopoulou E, Wendt AG, Carney JF, Sharma P, Gralow JR, Lew DL, Barlow WE, Hortobagyi GN. Phase III Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Endocrine Therapy ± 1 Year of Everolimus in Patients With High-Risk, Hormone Receptor-Positive, Early-Stage Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(25):3012-3021. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.23.02344Robotic Surgery Sanchez A, Teixeira A, Herrera L, Rodriguez O, Ghanem M, Galvis L, Inchausti C. Enhancing surgical training through immersive and interactive virtual reality experiences in robotic surgery. J Vis Surg. 2024;10:11-11. https://jovs.amegroups.org/article/view/124565/htmlCellular TherapySchoenfeld AJ, Betof Warner A, Chesney JA, Thomas SS, Hamid O, In GK, Shoushtari AN, Samhouri Y, Hari PN, Ramsingh G, Renard C, Prabhakar P, Mclaughlin L, He K. A phase 1/2 study to investigate the safety and efficacy of OBX-115 engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors. JCO. 2024;42(16_suppl):TPS9599-TPS9599. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.16_suppl.TPS9599Esophageal CancerBarsky AR, George J, Wroe AJ, Mittauer KE, Kaiser A, Herrera R, Yu J, Gutierrez AN, Alvarez D, McCulloch J, Kasper ME, Mehta MP, Chuong MD. Dosimetric comparison of magnetic resonance-guided radiation therapy, intensity-modulated proton therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy for distal esophageal cancer. Med Dosim. 2024;49(2):121-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meddos.2023.09.004Neuro-Oncology Thalji M, Vadlapatla V, Avgeropoulos NG, Ramakrishna N, Baidas S. Exceptional and Sustained Response to Belzutifan in Von Hippel-Lindau DiseaseAssociated Central Nervous System Hemangioblastoma. Cureus. 2024;16(1):e52979. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52979Head and Neck Cancer Cabrera J, Erhart K, Kelly P, Zeidan OA, Swanick C, Rineer J, Shah AP. Defining the role of intensity modulation in electron conformal therapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Medical Dosimetry. 2024;49(4):359-362. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095839472400025666BeforeStapleAfterStaple
2025Specialty PublicationIntegrative Medicine Kelley VJ, Galvis HG, Proctor MD, Broome BJ. Arts in Medicine for the Reduction of Pain and Stress in Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2025;69(5):546-551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2025.01.009Myelodysplasia, Acute LeukemiaKropf PL, Chung W, Shameem R, Xiao L, Balch C, Huang X, Issa JPJ. A phase 2 study of decitabine with or without carboplatin and arsenic trioxide in patients with MDS and AML. Blood Neoplasia. 2025;2(2):100071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bneo.2025.100071Interventional PulmonologyRamsuchit B, MacDonald N, Johnston M, Escalon J, Herrera L. Efficacy of Single-Anesthesia Bronchoscopy and Resection Using the Shape-Sensing Robotic Navigational Platform. Innovations�(Phila). 2025;20(4):375-382. https://doi.org/10.1177/15569845251344598Neuro-OncologyJanopaul-Naylor JR, Patel JS, Rupji M, Hoang KB, McCall NS, Qian DC, Shoaf ML, Kothari S, Olson JJ, Shu HKG, Voloschin A, Zhong J, Neill SG, Eaton B. Impact of Systemic and Radiation Therapy on Survival of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma. Cancers. 2025;17(4):618. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17040618BMT/Sickle CellKassim AA, Walters MC, Eapen M, Smith M, Logan BR, Solh M, McKinney C, Nieder M, Ross M, Kent M, Abusin GA, Mallhi K, Silva JG, Shaughnessy P, Kanter J, Haines H, Farah R, Khaled YA, Ritzau N, Mendizabal A, Abraham A, Bollard C, Cooke K, De La Fuente J, Hanna R, Horowitz MM, Jordan LC, Bakshi N, Krishnamurti L, Leifer E, Mahadeo KM, Shenoy S, Jones RJ, DeBaun MR, Brodsky RA. Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplantation for Sickle Cell Disease. NEJM Evidence. 2025;4(3). https://doi.org/10.1056/EVIDoa2400192 Acute Care UtilizationChin MM, Nguyen AD, Jones A, Steyl A, Geddie PI, Cruz Z, Serafimovska D, Warner T, Nanda A, Avgeropoulos NG, Harris A, Salcedo D, Kollas C, Laughlin AI. Electronic Health Record–Enabled Identification and Targeted Multipronged Intervention to Reduce Readmission and Length of Stay Among Patients With Metastatic Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract. Published online June 9, 2025:OP-24-00708. https://doi.org/10.1200/OP-24-00708Nurse NavigationCruz Z. Nguyen AD. Baker S. Davis K. Donnenberg R. Warner T. Arnoletti JP. Mercado C. Kayaleh O. Laughlin A. Impact of Nurse Navigation on Overall Survival and Timeliness to Care in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer in Advanced Stages. Published online September 15, 2025. Accessed September 19, 2025. Impact of Nurse Navigation on Overall Survival and Timeliness to Care in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer in Advanced Stages - Journal of Oncology Navigation & SurvivorshipInterventional PulmonologyStyrvoky K, Levine AL, Nguyen AD, Vollenweider M, Jiwani AZ. Apneic oxygenation during robotic-assisted bronchoscopy: a retrospective study on safety and diagnostic yield. Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2025;17(10). https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/106860LeukemiaPatel A, Koilpillai S, Nguyen C, Baidas S. Maintenance Low-Dose BRAF Inhibition and Rituximab in Relapsed Hairy Cell Leukemia: A Therapeutic Alternative. Cureus. Published online October 29, 2025. https://www.cureus.com/articles/404344-maintenance-low-dose-braf-inhibition-andrituximab-in-relapsed-hairy-cell-leukemia-a-therapeutic-alternativeColorectal SurgeryCaycedo-Marulanda A, Jeganathan NA, Morelli L, Guadagni S, Alkhamesi NA, Pinilla-Morales RE, Fabrizio AC, Milone LC, Baquero DR, Atallah SB, Sylla P. Management of Colorectal Anastomotic Leaks With Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy: A Pragmatic Summary of the Evidence and Definition of Clinical Practices for Patient Selection, Technique, and Follow-up. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2025;68(11):1239-1248. https://journals.lww.com/10.1097/DCR.0000000000003935 67
BGD 4037151 4/26 ©2026 Orlando Health, Inc.OrlandoHealth.com/CancerInstituteconnect to healthLogo is 30% Logo is 30%