UF Health has been designated a Center of Excellence by the Pheo Para Alliance in recognition of providing the most advanced treatments for patients with rare neuroendocrine tumors, as well as access to a coordinated team of experts,
“I’m so proud that the Pheo/Para Alliance has recognized this expertise,” said UF Radiation Oncology Associate Professor Kate Hitchcock, M.D., Ph.D. (shown right) “Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare tumors, but we see these patients fairly commonly here due to UF Health’s reputation as experts in their management, My hope is that their mark of approval will help even more patients find us so we can provide the high quality care that they deserve.”
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that begins with the adrenal glands above the kidneys. Paraganglioma is essentially a pheochromocytoma that forms outside the adrenal glands. The tumors are usually benign and successfully treated with surgery, but they can be cancerous and spread to other parts of the body. UF Health sees about 30 new patients and 60 follow-up patients per year.
“Pheo/paras are also closely related to neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive tract, for which we are recognized internationally as a top center for care,” Dr. Hitchcock continued. “We have been providing treatment for patients with these cancers based on leading-edge science since we became one of the first facilities in the world to offer treatment with conjugated radionuclides.”
Conjugated radionuclides are innovative drugs that target molecules to deliver radiation directly to tumors. They were first approved by the FDA for neuroendocrine carcinoma and UF Health began treating patients with them immediately, with impressive improvements.
“Our plan is to continue to set the standard for care in these cancers and we have several open and upcoming clinical trials for patients living with these diseases. We will keep pushing to improve their ability to survive as well as their quality of life,” Dr. Hitchcock remarked.
Read more about the Center of Excellence designation by the Pheo Para Alliance on the UF Health website.
