Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Cancer CARE Beyond Walls™ initiative has treated its first patient in the Florida Panhandle. The clinical trial is led by Mayo Clinic and funded by the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund. The program allows eligible cancer patients who are unable to travel to receive treatment, including chemotherapy, at home, according to the Governor's office.
Casey DeSantis stated that more than $1 billion has been invested in cancer research and care in Florida since Governor DeSantis took office. The initiative, part of Mayo Clinic’s in-home care services, began in April 2023 with 10 patients and has since administered more than 1,000 in-home treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy infusions or injections. The program has expanded to serve patients in the Florida Panhandle, enabling eligible individuals to receive treatment at home rather than traveling for care.
Roxana Dronca, site director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and director of Mayo Clinic Cancer Care Beyond Walls, said the program is designed to reduce barriers to treatment by providing cancer care in patients’ homes. With support from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the initiative expands access to in-home cancer services and reduces the need for patients to travel for treatment.
The clinical trial in the Florida Panhandle began on Dec. 18, 2025, with the first patient consenting on Dec. 22 and the first in-home treatment administered on Jan. 9, 2026. As of the latest update, four of the planned 27 patients have enrolled, and three treatments have been delivered without reported safety issues. The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, part of the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, has allocated $140 million since its creation to support cancer research and care initiatives in Florida.
Individuals seeking more information about the project or available funding opportunities can visit the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund website.
