By Dr. Steven Hochwald
As oncology continues to evolve toward precision, biology-driven treatment models, health systems face increasing pressure to align research excellence with infrastructure capable of supporting multidisciplinary, high-acuity care while maintaining a clear focus on timely access, care coordination, and the overall patient experience. At Mount Sinai Medical Center, that alignment is central to our oncology strategy, exemplified by nationally recognized clinical research and the forthcoming opening of the Irma and Norman Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Precision Innovation in Gynecologic Oncology
Mount Sinai Medical Center currently supports more than 20 active clinical trials within its Division of Gynecologic Oncology, strengthening our ability to deliver complex cancer care locally while reducing the need for patients to seek advanced treatment outside South Florida.
A recent national clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology exemplifies Mount Sinai’s approach to precision oncology. Led by Dr. Brian Slomovitz, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, in collaboration with the GOG Foundation, the Phase II study evaluated a chemotherapy-free treatment strategy for women with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), a rare subtype accounting for fewer than 10 percent of ovarian cancer cases and historically resistant to standard chemotherapy.
Many LGSOC tumors are driven by estrogen, making them well suited for a targeted, hormone-based treatment approach using ribociclib and letrozole. Results showed tumor shrinkage in approximately 31% of patients, with more than 80% achieving disease control for at least six months. Among patients who responded, the median duration of benefit approached two years, with a median progression-free survival of approximately 14 months across the study population. Taken together, the findings represent a meaningful advance in a disease setting with historically limited treatment options, reinforcing the value of aligning treatment strategies with tumor biology to achieve durable disease control with manageable toxicity while supporting more effective long-term care planning and resource utilization.
Addressing Rising Colorectal Cancer Risk in Younger Adults
Alongside advances in gynecologic oncology, Mount Sinai is also responding to evolving trends in colorectal cancer, particularly the rising incidence among younger adults. Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in men under age 50 and the second leading cause in women in that age group, reflecting a shift with important implications for screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
To address this growing challenge, Mount Sinai Medical Center is expanding its colorectal cancer research portfolio through its involvement with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, offering patients access to a wide range of innovative clinical trials. These studies are designed not only to achieve incremental improvements in outcomes, but to pursue curative strategies across disease stages, supporting earlier intervention and more personalized treatment approaches.
Infrastructure to Support Research, Access, and Growth
These clinical and research advancements are being supported by the forthcoming Irma and Norman Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center, a 216,000-square-foot, five-story facility designed to centralize oncology services and accelerate collaboration across specialties. The new center will integrate medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, advanced imaging, infusion services, clinical trials, and supportive care within a single, purpose-built environment.
By co-locating research and clinical care, the cancer center is designed to enhance care coordination, reduce treatment delays, and support growing patient volumes as demand for complex cancer services continues to rise. The proximity of clinical trials to routine patient care also strengthens Mount Sinai’s ability to translate research discoveries more efficiently into practice.
In addition to clinical and research services, the cancer center will offer integrated supportive care resources designed to address the physical, emotional, and logistical needs of patients throughout the cancer care continuum.
A Coordinated Vision for the Future of Cancer Care
Together, Mount Sinai’s investments in precision oncology research, expanded clinical trial access, and next-generation infrastructure reflect a coordinated strategy to advance cancer care across South Florida. By aligning innovation with scalable facilities and multidisciplinary expertise, the organization is positioned to address both emerging cancer trends and longstanding care needs while contributing to the evolving standards of patient-centered oncology care delivery.
Dr. Steven Hochwald is the Brodie Family Director, Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center.
