Firefighters face a greater risk of developing and dying from cancer than from dying while on duty. That harsh reality led to the launch of Sylvester's Firefighter Cancer Initiative in 2015. Since then, the initiative has partnered with fire departments across Florida to protect firefighters from occupational dangers through research, advocacy and best practices to reduce their cancer risk and improve overall health. This month, Sylvester celebrates the milestone anniversary while also hosting the 2025 International Fire Service Cancer Symposium .
Heavy metals in EV batteries are known carcinogens, pose greater cancer risk for firefighters, owners and communities (VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE)
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and are a growing segment of the nation's automobile fleet. But public health researchers with Sylvester's Firefighter Cancer Initiative are discovering elevated cancer risks for firefighters and community members alike from electric vehicle fires. While all fires pose exposure risks, EV fires elevate the risk to firefighters, owners and the nearby community because they are powered by massive batteries containing high concentrations of heavy metals. Many of these metals are associated with increased cancer risk due to their potential to cause DNA damage, oxidative stress and genetic alterations.
The 'Doctor's Doctor' Will See You Now
Traditionally, pathologists have been known as the "doctor's doctor" because they work behind the scenes to provide other physicians with detailed reports and analysis into test results and sometimes disease processes to guide future care. Now, a Sylvester pilot program is bringing pathologists out from behind the microscope to interact directly with patients. Called "The Doctor's Doctor IS the Patient's Doctor," the program connects patients with pathologists who can explain complex results in a way that fosters understanding and reduces stress.
They Believe: Sylvester Program Trains, Makes Believers of Cancer Survivors
Sylvester's Believe in You program inspires cancer survivors to train and prepare to complete a 5k walk, run or bike ride as part of the annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge , the NFL's largest fundraiser that has raised $75 million since 2010 to support cancer research at Sylvester. The program was launched because "so many cancer patients wanted to participate in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge but didn't feel they could do it," explained Paola Rossi, M.D ., program director. "Everyone who comes feels empowered, and that's the true magic of the program. The 2025 Dolphins Cancer Challenge occurs Feb. 22.
Sylvester Study Uses Gene Editing to Battle Mitochondrial Disease
A new gene-editing study is taking aim at mitochondrial diseases, a group of genetic disorders caused by DNA mutations that affect how the body produces energy. Scientists recently corrected one such mutation in a preclinical model, bringing medicine one step closer to treating these disorders in people. That's the long-term goal of study leader Carlos Moraes, Ph.D ., a neuroscience researcher at Sylvester. "I want to find an approach that can be used in patients," he explained. He and collaborators published their findings in Science Translational Medicine.
Brain Cancer Researcher Seeks New Treatments for Glioblastoma
Almost half of all malignant brain tumors in adults are glioblastomas, an aggressive brain cancer with a five-year survival rate of only 5% to 7%. Sadly, the most recently approved drug for this cancer was 20 years ago. Defne Bayik, Ph.D ., assistant professor in molecular and cellular pharmacology at Sylvester, studies glioblastoma's complex molecular mechanisms with the goal of bringing new treatments to patients.
