Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Unveils March 2026 Breakthroughs in Immunotherapy, Liquid Biopsies, and Preventive Care

Sylvester Cancer Center highlights mRNA immunotherapy breakthroughs, liquid biopsy tracking for prostate cancer, and a $100M milestone in community research.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 6:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Advancing Personalized Prevention for High-Risk Colorectal Patients

As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month begins, Sylvester is emphasizing a shift toward proactive genetic management. Dr. Daniel Sussman, leader of a specialized gastroenterology prevention clinic, is focusing on identifying individuals with heritable risks for the nation’s third most common cancer. By facilitating early genetic testing, the clinic develops personalized prevention plans that go beyond standard screening. This approach allows high-risk patients to receive tailored interventions before cancer develops, fundamentally changing the timeline of care from treatment to long-term prevention.

Experimental mRNA Strategies in Colorectal Immunotherapy

The fight against colorectal cancer has gained new momentum with an mRNA-based strategy led by Dr. Kevin Van der Jeught. Recipient of the Stanley J. Glaser Foundation Award, Van der Jeught’s research focuses on boosting the efficacy of anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors. By using mRNA technology to train immune cells to better identify and eliminate malignant cells, the project aims to broaden the population of patients who respond to immunotherapy. This work is currently being prepared for transition into early-phase clinical trials, representing a new frontier in genomic-driven cancer treatment.

Exercise as a Critical Component of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy

A Sylvester-led study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity has formally linked physical activity during chemotherapy to measurable improvements in patient well-being. The research demonstrates that exercise does more than rebuild muscle; it actively mitigates the debilitating fatigue and emotional distress caused by aggressive treatments. Lead author LaShae D. Rolle argues that quality of life should be viewed as a central outcome of clinical care rather than a secondary concern for survivors. This findings suggest that "exercise prescriptions" may soon become a standard accompaniment to traditional oncology protocols.