Dr. Patrick Hwu Inducted Into Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

Dr. Patrick Hwu Inducted Into Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

TAMPA, Fla. - Patrick Hwu, M.D., president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center, has been named an inductee of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame 2026 class, recognizing his pioneering contributions to the field of tumor immunology and transformative innovations in cancer treatment.

An internationally renowned physician-scientist and inventor, Hwu has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of how the immune system interacts with cancer. His work has helped shape modern immunotherapy approaches that harness the body's own defenses to fight disease, including the first CAR T-cell therapies, an approach that is now FDA approved for multiple cancers. He holds 12 patents related to his innovations in cancer immunotherapy and has authored more than 330 peer-reviewed publications, books and chapters.

"Dr. Hwu's visionary leadership and scientific discovery have had a profound impact on cancer research and patient care," said Tim Adams, chair of Moffitt's Institute Board of Directors. "His contributions exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaboration that the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame celebrates."

Trained at the National Cancer Institute under immunotherapy pioneer Dr. Steven Rosenberg, Hwu helped launch the field of gene-modified T cells. He was among the first to publish research on CAR T therapies directed against cancer, an approach that has since revolutionized treatment for certain malignancies.

Today, Hwu continues to lead cutting-edge research focused on enhancing T cell function to more effectively target and eliminate cancer cells. His research lab is advancing immunotherapies including:

• T cell receptor engineered T-cell therapies for melanoma and ovarian cancer

• CAR T-cell therapies for immunoresistant cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer and glioblastoma

• Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapies for melanoma

• Cancer vaccines for colorectal and rare cancers

His research and leadership have earned him numerous national and international honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Inventors, as well as the University of South Florida President's Fellow Medallion.

The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame honors individuals whose achievements have advanced science and technology and improved quality of life. Hwu will be formally inducted at the organization's annual ceremony this fall.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 58 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt's expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT, visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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