Could Today’s Cancer Research Be Tomorrow’s Cure?
Cancer survivor Alex was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in early 2023 after finding a lump in her neck. Her physician, Craig H. Moskowitz, M.D., a researcher and director of Academic Clinician Development at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System and the Miller School of Medicine, discussed options with her, and they decided on an immunotherapy clinical trial. Although the immunotherapy was not successful for her, Alex supports research participation.
“I think everyone should participate in research,” she says. “If a clinical trial opens up and you’re a candidate, I recommend it — you can help others and might benefit with fewer side effects.”
Alex is now in complete remission following other treatments.
Scientists’ understanding of cancer survivorship has grown rapidly since the field emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. This expansion has revealed significant evidence that a survivor’s quality of life can be negatively affected by mental, physical, psychosocial and financial side effects long after treatment ends. Such understanding wouldn’t be possible without cancer survivors and their families choosing to participate in research — and fortunately, many avenues exist for their involvement.
Cancer clinical trials or studies: know the difference
A clinical trial, also known as an interventional study, tests how well a medical approach — such as a treatment, therapy or device — works. An observational study tracks health outcomes based on a participant’s current health, behaviors, or lifestyle, without intervention. Quality-of-life studies can fall into either category.
“Research participation is critical for survivors because, as more survivors live longer, survivorship research is now focusing on long-term physical and social effects,” says Sara St. George, Ph.D., associate professor of public health sciences at the Miller School. “That’s where quality of life fits in. I conduct behavioral trials, assigning behavioral interventions to survivors and measuring the impact. Quality of life is just one of many outcomes we examine.”
Every person who has participated in cancer research contributes to new treatments, therapies and care, benefiting the global community.
Scientists hope for success for every participant, but even failures offer valuable insights. This process is essential for progress toward solutions, answers and cures.
“Research participation gives survivors a chance to give back to future patients,” Dr. St. George says. “It ensures their needs and perspectives are represented in research, which helps future survivors. I’m very grateful for their involvement.”
Cancer Survivorship Symposium
Survivors and caregivers who don’t wish to participate directly in studies can still contribute by attending educational events focused on advances in survivorship care and research.
Since 2022, Sylvester has hosted the Sylvester Cancer Survivorship Symposium. The 4th Annual event will take place on Oct. 29-30, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, Fla. In past years, the symposium featured separate sessions for survivors and caregivers, as well as for researchers. For the first time, this year’s program will span two days, allowing everyone to attend research and supportive care discussions.
“The survivorship symposium is unique in being open to the community,” says Dr. St. George, faculty member at Sylvester. “Last time, survivors and community members approached me to learn more — they loved that everyone could share ideas in one space.”
Dr. St. George will discuss a new interventional pilot study, “Con Cariño, Abuela” (With Love, Grandma), a digital lifestyle intervention for Hispanic cancer survivors and their adult daughters or daughters-in-law, on Oct. 30. The goal is to encourage survivors to champion healthy behaviors, leaving a legacy of health in their families. Dr. St. George will share initial results from the study.
Advocacy through research is a powerful way for survivors and families to shape the future of cancer care. Every survivor’s experience is unique, and by sharing those experiences, they help researchers ask the right questions — leaving a lasting impact for those who follow.
Written by Cara Tremols.
