UF Health Launched Targeted Cancer Therapy Program
The Gainesville medical center has introduced a hepatic artery infusion pump program for colorectal cancer patients.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Cancer
UF Health has implemented a new hepatic artery infusion pump program designed to target liver tumors. Stephen Hutto, a 69-year-old patient from Ocala, became the first person to receive this specialized therapy at the Gainesville facility.
Why it matters
The therapy delivers high doses of chemotherapy directly through the liver's blood supply, which helps shrink tumors while reducing systemic side effects. This approach aims to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for patients facing complex cancer diagnoses.
The patient previously underwent 30 rounds of radiation and nearly 50 rounds of chemotherapy. The procedure is now available at UF Health, which is one of a few programs in Florida to offer this pump therapy.
The players
UF Health
This is a major academic health center based in Gainesville that serves as the clinical hub for the University of Florida.
Stephen Hutto
He is a 69-year-old patient from Ocala who became the first recipient of the hepatic artery infusion pump at UF Health.
The details
The hepatic artery infusion pump is surgically implanted into the patient's abdomen to provide localized treatment. For Stephen Hutto, who was first treated for colorectal cancer in 2017 and later discovered a recurring rectal tumor in late 2022, this program offers a new option after his March 2026 liver tumor diagnosis.
Timeline
Hutto was first treated for colorectal cancer in 2017.
A recurring tumor was discovered at the end of 2022.
Doctors identified eight tumors in Hutto's liver in March 2026.
The Big Picture
This program aligns with the broader push to modernize patient care based on the National Cancer Institute's colorectal cancer screening guidelines. The adoption of localized delivery systems marks an evolution in how specialized institutions bridge the gap between standard screening and advanced treatment.
Patients with colorectal cancer may now have access to a more targeted treatment option that limits systemic chemotherapy side effects. Health officials continue to emphasize that routine screening remains recommended for all adults ages 45 to 75 to catch issues before they require complex surgery.
The takeaway
Targeted chemotherapy pumps represent a significant shift toward minimizing the physical burden of cancer treatments. Patients should consult their oncologists to determine if localized infusion therapies are appropriate for their specific tumor profile.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in oncology at the Cancer research hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Alachua Chronicle.
