Better Patient Care Through Clinical and Medical Research

At Baptist Health South Florida, physician-researchers are redefining how care is delivered by blending patient-centered service with groundbreaking medical research. With a strong focus on clinical trials, key areas of exploration include cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience and orthopedics — fields where advances can have life-changing effects for patients. Baptist Health has established a robust academic and clinical affiliation with Florida International University to advance research from bench to bedside. In addition, it collaborates with Florida Atlantic University to further expand its research across South Florida.

Oncology and Neuro-Oncology 

At the forefront of this effort is Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, which is currently conducting more than 200 active clinical trials across a wide spectrum of cancers, including brain, breast, lung, prostate and pancreatic cancers. One standout study funded by a National Institutes of Health grant aims to improve imaging techniques to distinguish between glioblastoma recurrence and treatment-related changes, potentially reducing the need for invasive biopsies. Another project explores the use of a tablet-based tool for monitoring cognitive function in patients with brain metastases, offering a more efficient way to track mental changes during treatment. The Institute is also involved in cutting-edge radiation therapy research, including two trials that are examining the benefits of adaptive radiation therapy using MRI technology to deliver high doses of treatment precisely while minimizing side effects. Clinical trials will also be offered at the new Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center that will open at Baptist Hospital in 2026.

In neuro-oncology, researchers at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute and Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute are evaluating new diagnostic tools that outperform traditional methods in detecting leptomeningeal disease. They are also part of national studies investigating new drugs for aggressive brain tumors and targeted therapies for rare genetic mutations. One of the most innovative trials is testing whether sound waves can open the blood-brain barrier to enhance drug delivery in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Cardiovascular and Vascular Research

Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute offers patients access to an array of innovative cardiovascular and neurovascular trials. These include studies on less invasive procedures for heart failure, 3D-printed heart models for surgical planning and a novel oxygen-carrying drug for stroke care. From arrhythmia treatment to structural heart repair, these research initiatives are designed to tailor therapies to each patient’s unique condition and anatomy.

Women’s Health Innovation

At Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health and Wellness Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in breast cancer detection. Researchers there have shown that integrating AI with 3D mammography can improve cancer detection by 23 percent without increasing false positives. The technology helps radiologists spot small, early-stage tumors and more elusive forms of cancer such as invasive lobular carcinoma.

In vascular surgery, Christine E. Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute is home to one of only 10 U.S.-based trials investigating custom-made endovascular stent grafts to treat complex aortic aneurysms. These more patient-specific devices are designed to fit the unique anatomy of each individual while preserving blood flow to vital organs.

Orthopedic Advancements

Baptist Health Orthopedic Care has built one of the most comprehensive databases in the country, tracking outcomes from over 22,000 patients. Researchers use this resource to assess the effectiveness of various treatments and devices, including biologic implants and joint replacements. Collaborations with engineers are also helping uncover the reasons behind implant failure in shoulder replacements, with the goal of improving designs. Also, orthopedic researchers at Baptist Health are conducting studies on hand and wrist injuries, using biomechanics, AI and biologic implants to better understand fracture patterns and improve surgical techniques

Neuroscience and Stroke Recovery

Finally, an ongoing trial at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, is offering new hope for stroke patients by comparing traditional medical management with minimally invasive surgery for treating deep brain bleeds. The trial follows patients for up to a year with the goal of determining whether earlier intervention can improve long-term outcomes.

Please visit BaptisthHealth.net/About-Baptist-Health/Research to learn more.