First Lady Casey DeSantis announces major milestone as Florida Cancer Innovation Fund project treats first patient in the Florida Panhandle
Tallahassee, Florida – A new chapter in cancer care quietly unfolded in the Florida Panhandle as a groundbreaking program supported by the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund successfully treated its first patient. The milestone was announced by First Lady Casey DeSantis, highlighting a growing effort to bring advanced cancer treatment directly into patients’ homes, particularly in regions where access to specialized care has long been limited.
The initiative, known as Cancer CARE (Connected Access and Remote Expertise) Beyond Walls™, is designed to help patients who face challenges traveling long distances for cancer treatment. Funded by the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund and led by Mayo Clinic in Florida, the project uses digital tools and remote monitoring to allow eligible patients to receive parts of their cancer therapy at home. Treatments may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, all delivered under close medical supervision without requiring frequent hospital visits.
“With more than one billion dollars invested since Governor DeSantis took office, Florida has defined itself as an international leader in cancer research, care and innovation,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This project is yet another example of that leadership. Seeking solutions that facilitate world-class cancer care, in the comfort of a patient’s home, is a game changer for Florida families. I applaud Mayo Clinic yet again for their commitment to helping Floridians not only beat cancer, but thrive after a diagnosis.”
Cancer CARE Beyond Walls builds on Mayo Clinic’s Advanced Care at Home model, which aims to replicate hospital-level services in a patient’s home setting. The broader program first launched in April 2023 with just 10 patients. Since then, Mayo Clinic in Florida has safely administered more than 1,000 in-home cancer-related infusions and injections, demonstrating that complex treatments can be delivered outside traditional clinical settings without compromising safety or quality.
The expansion into the Florida Panhandle was made possible through more than $1.8 million in funding from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund. For many patients in the region, specialized cancer care has traditionally required hours of travel, often adding physical strain, emotional stress, and financial burden during an already difficult time. By bringing care closer to home, the program aims to reduce those barriers while maintaining the same standards found in major cancer centers.
“Cancer CARE Beyond Walls is focused on removing barriers to care and delivering high-quality cancer treatment to patients in their homes,” said Roxana Dronca, M.D., site director of the Mayo Clinic in Florida Comprehensive Cancer Center, principal investigator of the study, and director of Mayo Clinic Cancer Care Beyond Walls. “We are grateful for the support of the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, which enables us to expand access to world-class cancer care, reduce the burden of travel, and enhance the patient experience for individuals across the Florida Panhandle.”
The clinical trial component of the program in the Panhandle officially opened on December 18, 2025. Just days later, on December 22, the first patient was formally consented into the study. The program reached its first major milestone on January 9, 2026, when the initial in-home cancer treatment was successfully delivered.
Early participation suggests growing interest and confidence in the approach. So far, four of the planned 27 patients have been consented into the trial. Two patients are currently receiving therapy at home, and three treatments have already been delivered safely. Program leaders say these early results reflect careful planning, strong clinical oversight, and close coordination between medical teams and patients.
State officials view the project as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Florida’s position in medical research and innovation while addressing real-world gaps in care. The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund was created to support forward-looking projects that improve outcomes and expand access, particularly for underserved or rural communities.
For patients and families in the Panhandle, the impact is personal and immediate. Fewer hours on the road, less disruption to daily life, and the comfort of receiving treatment at home can make a significant difference during cancer therapy. As the trial continues and more patients enroll, state and medical leaders hope the model will serve as a blueprint for expanding home-based cancer care across Florida and beyond.
While still in its early stages, the successful treatment of the first patient marks a promising step forward—one that blends technology, medical expertise, and policy support to reshape how cancer care is delivered in the Sunshine State.
