Five years after achieving the prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, Sylvester, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has secured the honor again, receiving an "Outstanding" score from the NCI. This designation, held by only 72 cancer centers in the U.S. in 2024, reflects scientific leadership in research and a commitment to addressing community health challenges with state and national implications.
As one of these elite centers, Sylvester ranks in the top 4% of U.S. cancer centers.
“Our cancer center’s outstanding score for the NCI renewal underscores the unwavering dedication of our entire organization,” said Joe Echevarria, CEO and president of the University of Miami and CEO of UHealth. “I am incredibly proud of Sylvester’s profound impact on cancer research and patient care.”
Sylvester’s renewal solidifies its role as the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida. The designation brings access to exclusive clinical trials, benefiting patients across the region. This is especially vital In Florida, which has the nation’s second-highest cancer burden in the U.S.
“We have built something invaluable for our community,” said Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., who has led the center since 2012. Through teamwork, precision medicine, breakthrough science and compassionate care, we are transforming cancer care in South Florida, he said.
Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., UHealth’s COO, highlighted the renewal’s importance: “The NCI grant underscores our ability to deliver top-tier care and innovative treatments. It’s critical for achieving excellent outcomes and offering hope to patients.”
Since earning its first NCI designation five years ago, Sylvester has expanded its impact with initiatives in experimental therapeutics, survivorship and cuttingedge research. "The renewal of our NCI grant bolsters our cancer center’s research and treatment capabilities and enhances the learning opportunities for our medical students and residents," said Henri R. Ford, M.D., dean of the Miller School. It ensures future professionals are equipped to lead in cancer care and research, he said.
A RIGOROUS REVIEW
Securing NCI designation involves a highly competitive review by approximately 17 nationally recognized experts. Sylvester’s renewal application included a 1,992-page Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), supplemented by an in-person site visit.
During the site visit, reviewers evaluated core research programs, cancer metrics and impactful discoveries presented by Sylvester’s research leaders. The center received even better scores for each of Sylvester’s core research programs in Cancer Control, Cancer Epigenetics and Tumor Biology. A newly launched Translational Clinical Oncology program earned an “Outstanding” rating. In addition, Dr. Nimer was recognized with an “Exceptional” rating as director.
Looking ahead to its next NCI-designation application in 2029, Sylvester remains focused on advancing its strategic goals to meet and exceed NCI requirements, ensuring continued leadership in the nation’s pursuit of cancer cures.