Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute - Oncology and Hematology
Centered on you, inspired by hope, powered by science and innovation.
As a leader in medical oncology and hematology, we’re at the forefront of science and research to provide the best treatment options available, personalized for each patient’s unique needs.
Nationally Accredited
Committed to excellence in all that we do.
One Mission
Driven by a shared purpose to provide exceptional cancer care.
Advanced Treatment
Access to the most effective treatments available.
Close to Home
Convenient locations across Florida.
Patient Stories
Terry Garrie
Terry Garrie experienced an unexpected loss of voice for several months, which he initially attributed to laryngitis. When his voice returned, it was hoarse, prompting him to seek medical help. After receiving treatment and a dire diagnosis, Terry came to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) for a second opinion.
Under the care and recommendation of FCS Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Kristen Gonter-Aubin, DO, Terry opted to participate in clinical trials with FCS Associate Director of Drug Development Judy Wang, MD. Terry immediately had a positive response to his treatment with minimal side effects. Now, if you ask him about his experience at FCS, he’ll proudly share that Dr. Gonter-Aubin and Dr. Wang are his “guardian angels.”
Patient Stories
Stefanie Ascher
Stefanie Ascher leads a busy life as a 30-year-old mother and chiropractor. Here, she recounts the symptoms that led her to her diagnosis of stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma and what helped her overcome the greatest challenge of her life — fighting cancer. She credits much of her success to her care team at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute: FCS Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Christopher Lobo, MD, Julie Pauly, APRN, and the entire FCS Port Charlotte team, who were there for her every step of the way.
Patient Stories
Helena Moscato
For two years, Helena Moscato searched for answers when she began experiencing frequent urination and UTIs. After receiving a biopsy, she learned she had advanced-stage bladder cancer and began to receive care from FCS medical oncologist/hematologist Ana Van Der Wall, MD. When her daughter Rachele learned of her mother’s diagnosis, she moved up her wedding date so her mom could be there. Dr. Van Der Wall safely adjusted her treatment schedule to allow Helena to enjoy the day and be present without any side effects of her treatment.
Patient Stories
Linda Beinert
After major surgery and a stage four diagnosis, Linda Beinert felt helpless and scared following a poor prognosis from her surgeon. When she met FCS Medical Oncologist/Hematologist Renjitha Ignatius, MD, she immediately felt a connection with her and felt well cared for. After two years of checkpoint inhibitive therapy, Linda is now free of disease and is living a comfortable life.
Patient Stories
Jim Marshall
Tampa Bay businessman Jim Marshall has always hustled in his career and athletics, so when he began to feel tired and run down in the fall of 2005, he immediately started looking for answers. After Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Idelfia Marte, MD, diagnosed him with Hodgkin lymphoma, he tackled his treatment with the goal of running a marathon when he was finished — achieving his goal in 2006.
Patient Stories
Dana McCool
Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2011, Dana McCool found herself in a vulnerable position as she was uninsured at the time. After many calls to hospitals, she reached out to Florida Cancer Specialists, where she was helped regain insurance, and received quality care. In 2023, Dana was diagnosed with stage four bone cancer and is currently receiving care from FCS Medical Oncologist/Hematologist Victor W. Melgen, MD.
Patient Access to More Clinical Trials
Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, FCS offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida.
Our patients have access to ground-breaking therapies, in a community setting, and may participate in national clinical research studies of drugs and treatment protocols. In the past 4 years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute participation prior to approval.
News & Articles
Featured Story
May 8, 2024
Mahdi Taha, DO, FACOI, FACP is Lead Author of Case Study Demonstrating Importance of Genomic Testing in Early identification and Treatment of Cancer
An abstract authored by FCS physician Mahdi Taha, DO, FACOI, FACP highlights the importance of next-generation sequencing to save lives in cancer patients.
Read Press Release
May 7, 2024
Breast Cancer Awareness
Read Article
May 7, 2024
Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress
Read Article
May 7, 2024
Skin Cancer Prevention
Read Article
May 3, 2024
FCS Participates in Statewide Gathering to Enhance Cancer Care in Community Oncology Settings
Read Press Release
The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation provides grants to qualified adult cancer patients in Florida to help pay for non-medical expenses such as rent, mortgage or utility bills. Through the Foundation’s Volunteer Program, community residents extend comfort to patients during treatment and with support behind-the-scenes to assist with grant applications, office support and special event fundraising. Learn more here.
Nationally Accredited Cancer Care
FCS has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research and cutting-edge technologies that help advance targeted treatments and genetically-based immunotherapies, and embodied by our outstanding team of highly-trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff. Several areas within our practice have earned accreditation by national accrediting organizations.
Notice: Our vendor, Nuance Communications, Inc., was impacted by the progress security incident, which affected certain individuals’ personal information.
Learn More