University of Hawaii Cancer Center

John Shepherd, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center, has been named the B.H. and Alice C. Beams Endowed Professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. “I want to reduce breast cancer mortality in Hawaiʻi, and the USAPI (US Affiliated Pacific Island Jurisdictions),” Shepherd said. “To do this, we propose to investigate the metrics hindering early detection programs, timely diagnoses, and treatment delivery and compliance.” With a grant of $60,000 over three years, Shepherd's primary goal is to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in our islands, where invasive cancer rates are alarmingly higher than in the mainland U.S.

In this , the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center reaffirms our commitment to leading the way in innovation and giving hope in the battle against cancer. Our researchers, clinicians and support staff — including Ph.D. student in Cell and Molecular Biology Michelle Nagata, pictured in one of our of labs — work tirelessly every day to uncover the secrets of this disease, develop pioneering discoveries and treatments, and translate them into meaningful care for cancer patients. Together, we are making progress against cancer, one discovery at a time, united in our shared purpose and commitment!

We send a heartfelt “Mahalo nui loa!” to all oncology nurses for Oncology Nursing Month! Professionals such as Christa Braun-Inglis, right, an Associate Member in Cancer Biology at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, pictured with a patient, provide dedication and compassionate care, lighting the path of hope for cancer patients and making tremendous contributions to our community. The tireless efforts and aloha spirit of oncology nurses inspire us all!

ICYMI: Read our op-ed on why the state must invest more in cancer-related care in Hawai‘i. University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center Director Dr. Naoto T. Ueno writes about how rising cancer diagnoses, and the need for more research and treatments, make such investment “a medical necessity and a moral imperative.” It was published in the Sunday edition of The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, but you can also read it on our website. https://ow.ly/S7Lh50RRSL4

Here at the UH Cancer Center, we are more than just colleagues — we are ‘ohana. And we believe in mālama, taking care, and spreading love and kindness as much as we can. Recently we united for a worthy cause, a food drive for Hawai‘i Foodbank. While we shattered our internal goals for the drive, it was the opportunity to give back to our community that meant the most.

Today we take a moment to remember with love Barry Weinman, who co-founded the Weinman Foundation and was a devoted supporter of the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center. He passed away peacefully on April 15 at the age of 85, surrounded by his loved ones. His legacy is intertwined with the story of Virginia, his partner in life and philanthropy. Barry Weinman’s generosity and commitment to advancing medicine and education will be deeply cherished and remembered. Read more: https://ow.ly/PRuC50RQ72b

On this national , we’re thrilled to report steady progress toward the opening of Ho‘ōla, our new Early Phase Clinical Research Center, in 2025. This pioneering facility, a first in the state, will provide Hawaiʻi‘s patients with access to innovative Phase 1 clinical trials and treatments, including drugs pending FDA approval. This means that fewer Hawaii cancer patients will have to leave our island home to get the latest, most cutting-edge treatments! ICYMI, read more here: https://ow.ly/yXwP50RNV4p

Mahalo to UH Mānoa alumnus and philanthropist businessman Jay H. Shidler, left, for his generous $100,000 gift to the UH Cancer Center! He is pictured here with UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno. Shidler's gift will help to raise public awareness of our work as we launch our next phase as an advanced research and patient care facility. For some people with cancer, cutting-edge treatments previously found only on the mainland will soon be available here at the . https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2024/05/01/shidler-donation-to-uh-cancer-center/

Leila Kazemi, MS(C), CMRI, CBDT, CCRP, clinical research program manager working with Dr. Shepherd, has been nationally recognized for her work in the field of densitometry. On April 4, she was given the prestigious 2024 Dr. Sydney Bonnick Award for Excellence in Densitometry by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD). In addition to this, Kazemi will be celebrated at the Annual Business Meeting, which takes place on February 21, 2025, in Boston, MA.

Follow the link to read the full story https://ow.ly/TmgT50Rt2l3

www.uhcancercenter.org

Dr. Naoto T. Ueno and Dr. Toshiaki Iwase conducted a phase II clinical trial at their previous institution, investigating pembrolizumab maintenance therapy's potential. The trial aimed to provide a less toxic and more targeted alternative to traditional chemotherapy and improve patients' quality of life. The results were recently published in Clinical Cancer Research.

Follow the link to read the full story.
https://www.uhcancercenter.org/about-us/newsroom/1066-study-shows-potential-for-maintenance-therapy-in-aggressive-breast-cancer

uhcancercenter.org

PhD student Arianna Bunnell, and postdocs Dr. Cherien Guillermo, and Dr. Janine Abe presented their research at annual conferences. Arianna talked about AI-enhanced breast ultrasound for breast cancer screening at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Cherien and Janine presented their work on racial differences in lung cancer incidence in the Multiethnic Cohort and cancer occurrence among Filipino Americans across generations in the same cohort at the American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO).

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States? In Hawaiʻi alone, around 10,000 people are diagnosed with it every year. We can prevent it by practicing sun safety and getting regular skin checks. The Skin✓ Van will empower our community with the tools and information to prevent skin cancer. Join us for its launch at Kalihi Valley District Park on April 20 at 9:30 am!

Christa Braun-Inglis, DNP, APRN, was awarded the 2024 David King Community Clinical Scientist Award by the Association of Cancer Care Centers She was recognized for her dedication to cancer research and education, and her focus and commitment to assisting advanced practice providers (APPs) in overcoming barriers to their participation in clinical trials.

Follow the link to read the full story! https://ow.ly/yJNq50RbUc3

Support the UH Cancer Center on UH Giving Day, April 10, and help empower the fight against cancer! Your donation will make a real difference by funding important community events such as the Breast Cancer Community Event! Join us in connecting, educating, and empowering on the journey to a cure. Remember, every contribution counts, no matter the size. Thank you for standing with us!🎗️ https://ow.ly/jfr150R8PqA

Support the UH Cancer Center on UH Giving Day, April 10, and help empower the fight against cancer! Your donation will make a real difference by funding important community events such as the Breast Cancer Community Event! Join us in connecting, educating, and empowering on the journey to a cure. Remember, every contribution counts, no matter the size. Thank you for standing with us!🎗️ https://ow.ly/jfr150R8PqA

The 67th Hawaiʻi State Science & Engineering Fair was held from April 1 to 3, marking the first time it took place in person since the pandemic.

This year, the UH Cancer Center Special Award was awarded to:
1st place: Elle Sugimoto for her work on "Exploring the Impact of Zoning Laws and Land-Use Policies on Food Desserts and Gut Microbiome Diversity in Native Hawaiian Communities."
2nd place: Faith Brooks, for her research on "Caffeine: Effects on SKOV-3 Ovarian Cancer Cells."
3rd place: Lauren Shaw and Caleb Collado for "Using Artificial Intelligence to Detect Breast Cancer Stages."

Srue Wakuk, a community health educator, delivered an insightful talk about embracing women's health at the Bayer Crop Science PacWest Lunch and Learn event. Around 80 attendees were present.

Dr. Song-Yi Park, PhD, has been awarded a $140,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association to test the recently recommended blood test for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in the Multiethnic Cohort Study

Follow the link to read the full story! https://ow.ly/ZbSl50R4Cuv

UH Cancer Center and JABSOM members met with Dr. Florent Bernard, Counsellor for Research and Innovation of the European Union delegation to the United States. During the meeting, Dr. Bernard unveiled the extraordinary grant opportunities awaiting exploration within the European Union's "Horizon Europe" program!

UH, Mānoa stands out as a leader in biomedical research funding. In 2023, it secured $57.8 million from the NIH, placing it at 130 out of 2,886 recipients.

Of this, $27 million was allocated to the UH Cancer Center, one of only 72 research organizations designated by the National Cancer Institute. We are proud to contribute to groundbreaking research in the fight against cancer!

Follow the link to read the full story https://ow.ly/zAV450QXf7L

Hawaiʻi benefits from UH Mānoa being a national leader in federal health funding | University of Hawaiʻi System News UH Mānoa received $57.8 million in 2023, placing at 130 out of 2,886 other entities that received NIH funding.

Check out the new renderings of the Hoʻōla (healing) Early Phase Clinical Research Center, which is currently under construction and set to open in Spring 2025. The center will specialize in early-phase clinical trials, providing patients in Hawaiʻi access to advanced Phase 1 treatments and trials, including drugs pending FDA approval.

Image courtesy: RIM Architects

Kū Ola scholarship recipients from the UH Cancer Center Clinical Research Professional Certificate Program and pilot study awardees attended the UH Cancer Center Native Hawaiian Community Advisory Board on Friday, March 8.

Earlier this week, the Wake Forest Research Base held an overview, during which researchers discussed their impact on the Hawai'i Minority/Underserved National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program and Workforce Diversity. They also presented and facilitated a discussion on workplace diversity and how it can enhance health equity throughout the community.

New renderings preview UH Cancer Center's clinical trials research hub | University of Hawaiʻi System News New renderings of the first floor and images of the pharmacy lab on the second floor were recently released.

Researchers from the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center collaborated on a study recently that sheds light on the complex links between smoking habits, epigenetics (the factors beyond DNA sequence that impact gene activity), and the risk of smoking-related diseases, such as lung cancer, the second most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both men and women.

Follow the link to read the full story. https://ow.ly/44jY50QRGpn

Discover the healing power of Hula! This beautiful Polynesian dance form not only boosts physical activity and vitality but also enhances overall well-being. For caregivers and kupuna, hula can provide much-needed community support.

The KHON2 Kupuna Caregiver segment featured last Sunday our Kupuna on their Hula Practice at UH Cancer Center.
Follow the link to read the full article: https://ow.ly/s3Hq50QMPtm

Today is the last day of the Month. Let's remember that even after the month ends, small actions can make a big difference in staying ahead of this disease.
💡Maintaining a Healthy Diet that Can Help Prevent Cancer