Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Plantation Expands with Radiation Oncology
“Our ability to provide radiation treatments in the same neighborhood that our patients live in offers a huge convenience,” says Sylvester Director Dr. Stephen D. Nimer.
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – the University of Miami Health System, is expanding with the addition of radiation oncology services at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Plantation. This expansion brings advanced radiation treatments and comprehensive cancer care closer to Broward County residents.
The 40,000-square-foot Sylvester Plantation facility already serves as a hub for leading-edge cancer services, offering state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments for rare and complex cancers. The addition of the radiation oncology center increases Sylvester’s reach as the only NCI-designated cancer center in the region. Patients can now access all non-surgical cancer services in one location outside of the main campus in downtown Miami, streamlining care and improving outcomes.
“Our mission is to reduce the human burden of cancer for South Florida and beyond,” said Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., the Oscar de La Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, executive dean for research and professor of medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology at the Miller School. “Radiation therapy is an effective method of treatment for many patients with cancer. Our ability to provide radiation treatments in the same neighborhood that our patients live in offers a huge convenience plus access to world-class radiation therapists that are attracted to working at an NCI-designated cancer center.”
Crucial Cancer Services
South Florida’s multi-cultural and aging population makes access to quality cancer care more crucial than ever. As cancer rates rise with an aging population, increasing radiation oncology services is essential to meet the growing demand.
“In a state with the second-highest cancer burden in the U.S., Sylvester is dedicated to improving access and meeting patients where they are, bringing the best of academic medicine into the community,” said Javier Milian, associate vice president of oncology satellite operations at Sylvester. “We are expanding our centers beyond our main campus in a meaningful way, identifying clinical gaps and developing tailored programs that address the specific needs of these communities.”
Sylvester’s Plantation facility plays a vital role in expanding access to leading-edge clinical research, ensuring that patients in Broward County can participate in groundbreaking clinical trials without the need to travel to downtown Miami. Significant efforts have been made to equip the Plantation site with the necessary infrastructure and expertise to support high-quality research.
In the last year alone, more than 150 clinical trials have been opened at this location, offering patients innovative treatment options close to home. This commitment to expansion has led to more than 80 patients enrolling in studies at the Plantation site, reinforcing Sylvester’s mission to reduce the burden of cancer.
“Clinical trials are the backbone of advancing cancer treatment, offering patients access to the most innovative therapies available,” said Jonathan Trent, M.D., Ph.D., associate director for clinical research at Sylvester and a Miller School professor of medical oncology. “We are committed to expanding clinical care, ensuring that more patients—regardless of location—can benefit from the latest scientific discoveries.”
Leading-Edge Cancer Capabilities
Since 2012, Sylvester Plantation has offered a full range of diagnostic and treatment capabilities in one location.
The facility is also equipped with two advanced linear accelerator (LINAC) systems that enable groundbreaking advancements in radiation therapy. The Ethos system specializes in adaptive radiotherapy, while the Edge system offers unparalleled precision in radiosurgery and advanced treatment techniques.
“Radiation oncology is advancing rapidly, and having these cutting-edge technologies in the heart of Broward County underscores Sylvester’s commitment to being South Florida’s premier cancer center,” said Markus Bredel, M.D., Ph.D., chairman and Sylvester professor of radiation oncology. “These innovations enable us to deliver treatments with unmatched precision, faster timelines and improved outcomes.”
A Multidisciplinary Approach
With specialists from across disease sites under one roof, Sylvester Plantation streamlines care for both patients and providers. Patients can receive radiation therapy alongside visits to medical oncologists, hematologists and other specialists. This centralized model enhances communication and coordination, allowing the team to meet onsite, review imaging, discuss options and make real-time decisions to ensure comprehensive treatment plans.
“Cancer treatment often involves multiple modalities, such as chemotherapy and radiation,” said Alejandra Perez, M.D., director of the breast cancer program at Sylvester Plantation and associate professor of medical oncology at the Miller School. “By offering all services in one location, patients can seamlessly transition between treatments without the added stress of traveling to different facilities.”
The integration boosts efficiency, reduces disruptions and eliminates the added burden of traveling for treatment. Many of Dr. Perez’s patients juggle daily treatments with jobs, family and other responsibilities and struggle with transportation or symptoms like pain and nausea.
“Patients with cancer already face overwhelming stress and anxiety,” Dr. Perez said. “Our goal is to ease their burdens, supporting them on every level. We’re not just treating cancer. We’re caring for people.”
Lauren Benkendorf, one of Dr. Perez’s patients, understands firsthand the strain of long-distance travel for treatment. Diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2025, she needed 15 consecutive days of radiation.
With Sylvester Plantation not yet open, she endured a two-hour roundtrip drive to Deerfield for her 15-minute treatment, with her husband taking time off work to accompany her.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the exceptional care I’ve received from UM, and I’m thrilled that my neighbors in Plantation will now have access to this cutting-edge facility,” said Benkendorf.
Tags: cancer care, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Alejandra Perez, Dr. Jonathan Trent, Dr. Markus Bredel, Dr. Stephen Nimer, Radiation oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center