By HFT Staff

Memorial Healthcare System announced the completion of its newest center, Memorial Cancer Institute on the campus of Memorial Hospital West.  

In 2018, Memorial purchased the Petco and Toys “R” Us site with a commitment to expand cancer services. Patients will begin to receive care in the new space in mid-January 2024. Additionally, Memorial continues to offer advanced cancer care throughout its health system including Memorial Cancer Institute sites at Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital Miramar and Hallandale Beach. 

A team of more than 250 expert cancer physicians and surgeons, experienced oncology nurses, pharmacists, lab staff, clinical trialists, administrative and support staff work together to ensure personalized treatment plans for each patient, including the latest screening and diagnostic testing, advanced radiation treatments, chemotherapy and cellular therapies, surgical options and integrative medicine. 

Located in the heart of Pembroke Pines, the new four-story, 125,000 square-foot Memorial Cancer Institute prioritizes patient comfort and well-being. It increases care space with 63 exam rooms (up from 29) for multi-disciplinary cancer consultations and 51 private infusion suites (from 38) for administering medications intravenously. Featuring a dedicated breast cancer center designed with input from cancer survivors, the private infusion suites are located with windows that provide natural light and overlook scenes of nature and green spaces. Moffitt Malignant Hematology and Cellular Therapy at Memorial is also housed at the new cancer institute, along with opportunities for serene spaces and an overall soothing environment that includes a rooftop garden, a meditation sanctuary, and a spa-like environment at the Center for Body, Mind, and Spirit. 

Memorial offers advanced radiation treatment technology, ensuring both precision and effectiveness in cancer care, including:  

• The CyberKnife S7, a cutting-edge robotic system that delivers precise stereotactic radiation to various areas of the body, such as the brain and lungs, without the need for surgery. Its exceptional accuracy adapts to patient movements in real-time, ensuring optimal outcomes. 
• The Halcyon Radiation Therapy System, which rapidly produces high-quality images to precisely locate tumors. This technology expedites radiation treatments up to four times faster than conventional methods, so patients spend less time in treatment, significantly improving their experience. 
• The Varian TrueBeam advanced radiotherapy, with intelligent features that synchronize radiation delivery with a patient's breathing called respiratory gating. This is particularly important in treating breast and lung cancers, preserving healthy tissues from unnecessary radiation exposure. 
• The Elekta Flexitron system, an innovative approach to delivering high-dose radiation brachytherapy. This system directly targets tumors while safeguarding surrounding healthy tissues. 

Memorial has also expanded its oncology infusion pharmacy, which is of paramount importance in delivering comprehensive, safe, and effective cancer treatments. The cleanroom suite meets the highest US Pharmacopeia standards. The result is optimal precision and safety in every sterile preparation, ensuring comprehensive and effective cancer care. 

Strategic partnerships with high-performing institutions connect skills and resources to enhance services. In the new facility, Moffitt is significantly expanding its patient treatment capacity and, through a research alliance with FAU, Memorial Cancer Institute is among a select group of Florida-designated Cancer Centers of Excellence, conducting leading-edge clinical research and pioneering advances in patient care. 

By addressing not only the physical aspects of cancer but also the emotional and logistical aspects, oncology support services contribute to improving the overall quality of life for individuals and their loved ones. 

The facility has a new Patient and Family Resource Center, where patients will learn about a wide range of support, from emotional and psychological counseling to practical aid such as nutritional guidance and pain management. These services aim to enhance the well-being of both cancer patients and their families, helping them navigate the complex journey of cancer treatment and recovery. Through support groups, palliative care, survivorship programs, patient and family navigation, social work, spiritual care, and many other resources, oncology support services foster a holistic approach to patient care. 

In addition to the financial support from Memorial Healthcare System, the Memorial Foundation and its generous donors continue to back the Memorial Cancer Institute. The Foundation’s allocations cover facility and equipment enhancements, oncology support services for families in need, medical education programs and cancer research initiatives.