Florida Cancer Center to Open in 2015

On June 5, Cleveland Clinic Florida celebrated the “topping out” of the Egil and Pauline Braathen Center, which will expand cancer care offerings in response to the continual rise in the number of newly diagnosed cancer cases and the need for quality, comprehensive cancer care in South Florida. Last year alone, there were more than 12,000 cancer cases in South Florida.

Funded by a $30 million gift from long-time patient Pauline Braathen, the 144,000-square foot facility, due to open in February 2015, will house Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Cancer Center and the expanded Pauline Braathen Neurological Center. The Cancer Center’s new home in the Egil and Pauline Braathen Center will incorporate new technology and full-spectrum patient services.

“The advanced technology, patient-focused amenities and stellar team in place at the Egil and Pauline Braathen Center will allow us to elevate the quality of cancer care in South Florida and greatly enhance the overall patient experience,” says Steven Roshon, MD, Cleveland Clinic Florida Cancer Center Director.

Treatment Enhancements

A Chemotherapy Infusion Suite is designed to accommodate entire families. Diagnostic and radiation treatment providing advanced and stereotactic radiotherapy using new technology with sub millimeter accuracy and real-time tumor tracking will be one of the first available in the world. Other radiation technology will include Image Guided Radiotherapy, a dedicated CT simulator, 4 Dimension treatment planning and high dose rate radiotherapy, and Varian’s Edge™ radiosurgery system.

Patient Guidance

Genetic counseling will be available to complement the cancer risk assessment and genetic testing process. A range of support programs will help patients navigate the changes and challenges associated with cancer, and patients will be guided by oncology social workers and nurses. A patient resource and education center will provide patients access to written and electronic resource materials and include areas to meet with fellow survivors and medical specialists. The center will serve as a resource for broader community efforts in prevention, early detection, education, outreach and support.

Holistic Care

The new cancer center will offer palliative care, with a focus on relieving pain and other symptoms and meeting patients’ emotional, spiritual and practical needs. Complementary medicine offerings will include massotherapy, reiki, nutrition education, art therapy and a wig boutique.

Cleveland Connection

Along with the enhanced technology and expanded families come additional opportunities for collaboration with Cleveland-based colleagues, including clinical trial access and knowledge exchange.