The has received a $2.5 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to expand cancer care, clinical research and specialist training across Hawaiʻi through Ka ʻUmeke Lama.

Launched in 2024 in partnership with the , the statewide initiative aims to reduce geographic barriers to cancer treatment, particularly for neighbor island and rural residents. The award follows a previous $1.2 million Helmsley grant supporting the launch of the 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center.

“This transformative support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust underscores 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s commitment as an R1 flagship institution to serving the health and well-being of our entire state,” said 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos.

A 糖心视频 Cancer Center study found that Hawaiʻi residents spent at least $230 million on out-of-state cancer care from 2021 to 2023, highlighting challenges in accessing specialized treatment locally.

Specialized in-state training, access

Ka ʻUmeke Lama will establish Hawaiʻi’s first medical oncology fellowship, allowing physicians to pursue specialized training without leaving the state. It will also expand the Cancer Care Access Program to improve patient navigation, referrals and clinical trial participation statewide.

“This support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust allows us to address systemic barriers to care across Hawaiʻi,” said 糖心视频 Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno.

The initiative will also strengthen precision oncology infrastructure, support genomic research focused on Hawaiʻi’s diverse populations and expand multidisciplinary tumor registries to inform cancer care.

“Every cancer patient, regardless of what island they call home, deserves access to world-class, timely care,” said Walter Panzirer, Helmsley Charitable Trust trustee.

The 糖心视频 Cancer Center is Hawaiʻi and the Pacific’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, focusing on research, education and reducing cancer health disparities.

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Nearly 120 people gathered at the on October 17 for a free public workshop highlighting the benefits of physical activity during and after cancer treatment.

The “Let鈥檚 Move! The Importance of Physical Activity in the Cancer Journey” event featured hula, stretching and strengthening exercises designed for people of all fitness levels, including those who preferred to participate while seated. N膩 W膩hine Hula 驶膧kala, a hula h膩lau of cancer survivors, led participants through basic hula movements, while experts from the 糖心视频 Cancer Center and REHAB Hospital of the Pacific shared research on how exercise can help manage cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, depression and other challenges.

“Depression and anxiety are common during the cancer journey, and exercise has been shown to actually improve that as well,” said 糖心视频 Cancer Center Associate Professor Jami Fukui.

Presented by the center鈥檚 Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community and ʻOhana Pink programs during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the workshop emphasized that movement can support physical and emotional well-being throughout the cancer journey.

Marine microplastic pollution is associated with higher rates of several cancers in U.S. coastal counties, according to University of Hawaiʻi research.

The study was senior-authored by , assistant professor and Chin Sik and Hyun Sook Chung Endowed Chair in the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health鈥檚 .

Researchers examined 89 coastal counties, representing about 54 million people, and compared marine microplastic pollution with cancer rates from 2013 to 2021. Pollution levels were estimated using beach sand and ocean samples collected in each county and available through a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration database.

Counties with higher microplastic pollution tended to have higher rates of digestive, thyroid, prostate, lung and oral and throat cancers.

“It is important to note that these findings are preliminary evidence and require further investigation,” Li said. “However, this is one of the earliest human studies to connect microplastics and cancer at the national level and will provide guidance for future research on what to study specifically.”

Building on microplastics research

Li said future research should measure micro- and nanoplastics in biological samples such as blood to more directly quantify associations with adverse health outcomes.

The cancer study, “,” was published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. The study鈥檚 first author is Nicolas E. Gentile of the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and included researchers from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and the .

Li is also co-leading a five-year, $3.3 million study that will follow 300 Hawaiʻi families from pregnancy through a baby鈥檚 first year, measuring exposure to microplastics and PFAS and examining potential effects on early brain development.

researchers have launched a $3 million, five-year study to uncover why early-stage breast cancer becomes invasive in some patients—with a special focus on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 diverse communities.

Led by Lenora Loo, a researcher in the Cancer Biology Program, and Brenda Hernandez, a researcher in Cancer Epidemiology and Principal Investigator for the Hawaiʻi Tumor Registry, the project will examine ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Accounting for 20% of new U.S. breast cancer diagnoses, DCIS can progress to invasive cancer, but a subset of cases never does. This unpredictability makes it challenging for clinicians to determine who needs aggressive treatment versus less intensive care. To address this, the team will evaluate lifestyle, health, social factors, and tumor biology, comparing DCIS and invasive tumors from the same patients.

By identifying the biological mechanisms behind progression, researchers hope to improve risk identification and enable tailored treatment plans so patients receive care appropriate to their specific risk level.

Focus on diverse patient populations

In Hawaiʻi, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women and the second leading cause of female cancer deaths, averaging 172 deaths and thousands of invasive diagnoses annually.

Prior research by Loo and Hernandez using data from the 糖心视频 Cancer Center鈥檚 revealed that Native Hawaiian, Filipino, and Japanese DCIS patients face a higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the same breast compared to White patients.

Genetic markers in the blood that can signal lung cancer risk up to 10 years before a person is diagnosed were discovered by University of Hawaiʻi researchers. The set of 31 tiny markers, called small non-coding RNAs, could eventually help identify people at higher risk while cancer remains clinically undetected.

The study, published in , was led by Youping Deng, PhD candidate Zhuokun Feng, and Masaki Nasu from the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences at the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 . Deng also co-directs genomics research at the . 糖心视频 Cancer Center researcher Lo茂c Le Marchand, lead investigator for the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study, served as co-author.

“A central question in this study was whether a molecular signal (measurable biological change) of future lung cancer could already be present in blood many years before diagnosis,” Feng said.

Detecting risk years before diagnosis

Using stored blood samples collected before participants were diagnosed, researchers identified 31 specific RNA molecules associated with future lung cancer risk.

A computer model using these markers achieved 95% overall accuracy in testing.

A computer model using these markers achieved 95% overall accuracy in testing. The RNA-based risk score remained strongly associated with future lung cancer even after researchers accounted for age, sex, ethnicity and smoking history. Notably, the association was still detectable five to 10 years before clinical diagnosis.

The findings point to the potential for a future blood-based approach to long-term lung cancer risk assessment. The research team is pursuing patent protection for the biomarker panel and its potential clinical application.

The National Institutes of Health supported the research through several grants, including funding connected to the 糖心视频 Pacific Center for Genome Research. Established with a $10.9 million NIH grant in 2023, the center advances genomics research in diverse populations.

In a major boost for global health, the ‘s Body Composition Laboratory has earned an international designation from the (IAEA).

As one of only eight Collaborating Centres worldwide—and the only one dedicated to nutrition—the lab is set to pioneer cutting-edge research and training in body composition assessment, addressing critical factors like obesity in the global fight against cancer.

Led by laboratory Director and 糖心视频 Cancer Center Chief Scientific Officer John Shepherd, the laboratory will work with the IAEA through 2030 to standardize body composition assessment techniques, including methods to measure body fat, lean mass and total body water; host technical workshops; conduct collaborative research; and provide specialized clinical and technical training and resources to IAEA member countries. The need for such training is urgent because obesity is associated with approximately 20% of all cancers.

“The designation of Dr. Shepherd’s lab as an IAEA Collaborating Centre places it within a small but elite international network and reaffirms the quality of research conducted at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center,” said Chad B. Walton, 糖心视频 interim vice president for research and innovation. “It also helps to strengthen the distinct advantages that 糖心视频 has in serving the needs of the Pacific region while expanding opportunities to contribute to—and benefit from—global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advances in cancer research through the IAEA network.”

International partnership expands Pacific reach

The IAEA is the world’s central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field. It designates Collaborating Centres to conduct research, development and training.

The IAEA presented the laboratory’s official plaque during an August 26 ceremony at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center.

“This designation represents a partnership, recognizing expertise that already exists here, while reflecting a shared commitment to extending this expertise to not only the Pacific but the wider global community,” Alford said.

The designation aligns with the 糖心视频 Cancer Center’s responsibility for its catchment area, which includes Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands. As one of only 74 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers, the 糖心视频 Cancer Center’s catchment area spans approximately 7 million square miles and includes more than 2 million people.

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A University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 research team is working to improve lung cancer treatment by developing new ways to predict which patients will respond to immunotherapy and identify treatments that can overcome resistance. The five-year, approximately $3.26 million National Institutes of Health grant supports the (JABSOM) and the research team.

The project, “Novel Biomarkers for Predicting and Improving Immunotherapy Response in Lung Cancer,” runs through July 2031. It is led by Youping Deng, professor and director of JABSOM‘s Bioinformatics Core Facility, who also serves at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center’s Biology Program and Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource.

By combining a predictive biomarker (a biological molecule that helps predict how a patient will respond to treatment) with a potential therapeutic approach, the project aims to help physicians select treatments more precisely while creating new options for patients whose tumors do not respond to existing immunotherapies.

While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)—a type of immunotherapy that blocks the proteins cancer cells use to hide from the immune system, allowing it to better recognize and attack them— have transformed non-small cell lung cancer treatment, resistance remains a hurdle, and current biomarkers are not always accurate in predicting patient response.

“Our team has discovered a new biomarker that may more effectively predict treatment response, as well as a promising therapeutic target that could help overcome ICI resistance,” Deng said. “This NIH R01 grant will allow us to validate these discoveries and move them closer to clinical application.”

The research team includes JABSOM‘s Shaoqiu Chen and Li Ma, and the 糖心视频 Cancer Center’s Owen Chan and Xin Chen.

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Nearly 200 cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and supporters gathered at the on July 18 to explore how creative expression can support healing and well-being during the cancer journey.

The free “Healing Through Art” workshop, presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, featured presentations on the research behind art therapy followed by hands-on sessions in drawing, poetry, meditation with shakuhachi (Japanese flute) music, collage art and ti-leaf lei making.

The power of creative expression

Research has shown that art therapy and other creative approaches can help reduce anxiety, depression and emotional distress among people affected by cancer.

“The friendships and connections that blossomed among the people who attended, along with the skilled and caring artists sharing their gifts as tools for the cancer journey, were truly inspiring,” said Jami Fukui, faculty lead for the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community. “We want the 糖心视频 Cancer Center to be a place of community, and I think healing was accomplished today.”

Among the presenters was artist and breast cancer survivor Leni Acosta Knight, who encouraged participants to express themselves freely through drawing. “To be able to have your mind be free of any stress or pain—just a reprieve from the chaos and overthinking things—I think is very helpful,” Knight said.

Participant Ann Sueno said trying collage art reminded her that creativity can be a powerful outlet. “This lets you just be yourself and lets you just be creative,” Sueno said. “Just being creative, I think that’s really rewarding.”

“Cancer care extends far beyond the clinic,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the 糖心视频 Cancer Center. “Programs like ‘Healing Through Art’ create spaces where people can find comfort, express themselves and build resilience alongside others who understand their experiences.”

The event is part of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, a free quarterly program that empowers and supports people affected by cancer. The next workshop, “Let’s Move! The Importance of Physical Activity in the Cancer Journey,” is scheduled for October 17 at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center. Registration details will be available soon.

The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center launched the 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center on July 6, marking a new chapter in local cancer care as the state鈥檚 first facility dedicated to early-phase clinical trials.

More than 200 community leaders, partners and elected officials attended the grand opening ceremony in Kakaʻako.

The 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center will be a new source of hope for cancer patients in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
—Naoto Ueno

“The opening of the 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center marks a major milestone for cancer care in Hawaiʻi,” said 糖心视频 Cancer Center Director Naoto Ueno. “For the first time in state history, qualifying cancer patients will have the opportunity to access promising investigational therapies here in Hawaiʻi, without traveling thousands of miles to medical centers on the U.S. mainland.”

Ueno, a researcher, clinical trial leader and two-time cancer survivor, said keeping patients close to their families and communities is an important part of their care journey.

“These patients also will be making invaluable contributions to medical science, as early-phase clinical trials like these are how tomorrow鈥檚 standard cancer treatments are developed,” Ueno said. “The 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center will be a new source of hope for cancer patients in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.”

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Hawaiʻi, with nearly 76,000 residents living with cancer. A recent 糖心视频 Cancer Center study found that Hawaiʻi residents spent at least $230 million on out-of-state cancer care from 2021 to 2023, highlighting the need to expand advanced cancer care options in the islands.

Early-phase clinical trials, also known as Phase I and II trials, test new cancer treatments to evaluate safety, dosing and potential effectiveness. The trials follow strict safety protocols, with patients closely monitored by specially trained clinical research teams.

“This facility is a powerful reminder of what can happen when government, health care, industry, and the university work together to impact our community,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel.

Expanding access to care

The 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center includes dedicated patient treatment areas, specialized clinical research space, a certified pharmacy and a team trained to conduct complex early-phase studies. A pilot Phase I clinical trial is already underway, with one patient enrolled, demonstrating the center鈥檚 readiness to support a growing portfolio of clinical trials.

The goal is to have 30 active early-phase clinical trials at 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 EPCRC by 2031.

“By establishing the specialized clinical research infrastructure needed to conduct early-phase studies in Hawaiʻi, the 糖心视频 Cancer Center will provide opportunities for patients to participate in innovative Phase I and II clinical trials, while strengthening the state鈥檚 role in developing tomorrow鈥檚 cancer therapies,” Ueno said.

The 7,500-square-foot center was supported by $19.5 million in funding, including over $1 million from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. It is operated by University Health Partners in collaboration with members of the Hawaiʻi Cancer Consortium and statewide health care partners.

“Our goal is not only to provide access to promising therapies to patients, but to ensure that discoveries and treatments are informed by the rich variety of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique people, so that future cancer treatments work better for everyone in Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and worldwide,” Ueno said.

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At least $230 million was spent on cancer care delivered outside Hawaiʻi between 2021 and 2023, according to a led by researchers at the . Geographic isolation requires many Hawaiʻi patients to seek advanced cancer therapeutics and clinical trials on the mainland.

Researchers analyzed de-identified commercial insurance claims from the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA) for residents receiving cancer treatment. The data showed that patients with complex cancers, such as leukemia and brain tumors, were most likely to require out-of-state care, highlighting a need to expand local subspecialty capacity.

“Patients who must leave the islands for specialized cancer care bear enormous burdens: On top of medical bills, they may face travel expenses, time away from work, and the emotional challenge of receiving treatment far from home and the support of their loved ones. For some patients, the enormous cost of out-of-state treatment puts that care out of reach,” said Hideko Yamauchi, director of clinical affairs at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center, and the principal investigator for the study.

Analyzing data on why patients seek treatment out-of-state helps the center identify gaps in local services, allowing them to expand specialized care and keep patients closer to their support networks.

‘Financial toxicity’ places strain on patients

The study found that out-of-state cancer care expenditures totaled approximately $58 million in 2021, rose to $94 million in 2022, and reached nearly $79 million in 2023. Total spending exceeded $230 million during the three-year period.

Patients who must leave the islands for specialized cancer care bear enormous burdens.
—Hideko Yamauchi

Breast cancer accounted for the largest total amount spent on out-of-state care at $59.5 million, due to its high prevalence, researchers said. It was followed by leukemia ($46.4 million), lymphoma ($21.5 million), prostate cancer ($14.9 million), and pulmonary cancer ($14 million).

However, leukemia exhibited the highest proportion of out-of-state spending for treatment, at 39%, followed by lymphoma (29%), central nervous system tumors (27%), multiple myeloma (21%) and breast cancer (21%).

The study analyzed direct medical costs paid via HMSA, excluding out-of-pocket expenses like travel, lodging, and lost income—factors that exacerbate “financial toxicity” for patients.

“A concern raised by these findings is that the patients we can see in the data are only the ones who successfully traveled,” Yamauchi said. “The patients we worry about are the ones we cannot see in this data—those who did not travel and faced barriers to accessing specialized care. Understanding that hidden burden is an important next step for research and policy.”

Expansion of Hawaiʻi cancer care

Increased investment in high-demand specialty services, advanced diagnostics, and tele-oncology could reduce the need for travel.

“The 糖心视频 Cancer Center deeply appreciates HMSA, a member of our , for collaborating on this crucial research. This study demonstrates why continuing to expand cancer care in Hawaiʻi is so important,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the 糖心视频 Cancer Center and study co-author.

Initiatives such as the 贬辞鈥�ō濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center (opening July 6) and the Ka ʻUmeke Lama program are now expanding local access to Phase I trials.

Co-authors also included Deborah Taira, professor, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, 糖心视频 Hilo; Mark M. Mugiishi, chief executive officer, HMSA; and Jeffrey Tom, clinical systems director for corporate strategy, HMSA.

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Researchers at the and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM) were awarded more than $12 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Pacific Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in Medicine (PAC-AID)—a new research center dedicated to accelerating biomedical discoveries through artificial intelligence and data science to benefit people in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region, and worldwide.

Funded through the NIH‘s (COBRE) program, the five-year award will provide approximately $12 million through February 2031. The award was administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, with a federal award date of June 4, 2026.

The center will be led by Principal Investigators John Shepherd and Youping Deng. Shepherd is chief scientific officer at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center, and B.H. and Alice C. Beams Endowed Professor in Cancer Research at JABSOM. Deng is co-director, Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center; and professor and director, Bioinformatics Core Facility, at JABSOM.

PAC-AID will serve as a central hub integrating AI into biomedical research to improve health outcomes in Hawaiʻi. Over five years, the project will renovate the 糖心视频 Cancer Center Data Center to establish a new Medical AI Core (MedAI Core), providing advanced, high-performance computing resources and AI expertise. Physically located within both the 糖心视频 Cancer Center and JABSOM on the shared Kakaʻako campus, PAC-AID will directly fund four major inaugural research projects and establish a Pilot Projects Program to support more than eight new, locally relevant pilot studies.

“At the heart of our mission as a flagship research university is the drive to translate innovation into meaningful impact,” said Vassilis Syrmos, incoming chancellor of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. “PAC-AID is a vital expansion of that mission, enabling our faculty to harness the power of artificial intelligence to pioneer new avenues of biomedical inquiry that were previously unreachable, solidifying the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补’s role as a global leader in health innovation.”

“AI has the potential to unlock major medical breakthroughs and help people live healthier lives, and we need to take advantage of it,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who played a pivotal role in securing the grant. “This new funding will help Hawaiʻi continue to attract top-tier talent and develop treatments and cures that will benefit people across the state.”

“The $12 million over five years will substantially strengthen AI and data science capabilities and support the development of the next generation of investigators,” said 糖心视频 Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno. “The research advances made possible by PAC-AID will further the 糖心视频 Cancer Center鈥檚 work toward new understandings and treatments for cancer, to save lives in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, and across the globe.” In addition, high paying jobs generated by this project will have a strong economic benefit for our local communities.

“At JABSOM, our mission is to improve the health of Hawaiʻi through education and research,” said Sam Shomaker, JABSOM dean. “This investment will help accelerate discoveries that address the real health challenges facing our communities and ensure that advances in AI translate into better outcomes for patients.”

Enabling workforce development

Shepherd and Deng will oversee efforts to build research capacity, as well as foster the next generation of independent investigators using artificial intelligence and advanced data science approaches to address critical medical and public health challenges. Beyond funding research, this award establishes a workforce development mechanism to support the next generation of faculty investigators.

“This COBRE award provides the critical infrastructure to bridge advanced AI computational methods with our specific clinical and community health challenges,” Shepherd said. “By fostering a collaborative environment for our investigators, we are equipping them with the technical capabilities to tackle the most persistent health disparities in our islands and turn complex data into actionable health solutions.”

“By the end of this project, we expect to have a nationally competitive Medical AI Core, four independently funded research leaders, and more than 10 pilot projects,” said Deng. “Through these efforts, alongside workshops and collaborative research opportunities, we will significantly strengthen Hawaiʻi‘s capacity for AI-enabled biomedical research and innovation to address important health challenges in our region and beyond.”

Transforming medical research with AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming healthcare and biomedical research by helping scientists analyze large and complex datasets, identify patterns that may otherwise go undetected, and accelerate the development of new approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

AI has the potential to unlock major medical breakthroughs and help people live healthier lives, and we need to take advantage of it.
—U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

Shepherd, who leads the , is using a massive breast imaging database to develop AI biomarkers that predict cancer risk specifically for Asian and Pacific Islander populations.

The new PAC-AID will support similar faculty-led research projects, provide funding for pilot studies, and establish shared research resources that can be used by investigators across disciplines.

Initial funded projects include AI-driven research by 糖心视频 Cancer Center researchers Kevin Cassel (using full-body imaging to triage skin lesions) and Elizabeth Nakasone (studying pancreatic cancer in Native Hawaiian and Japanese populations); 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 public health researcher Jonathan Huang (modeling environmental toxicant effects on fetal development); and JABSOM researcher Yiqiang Zhang (identifying genetic traits in congenital heart disease).

COBRE Phase 1 grants focus on the development of independent biomedical researchers and research centers, and are designed to have a 15-year cycle.

“PAC-AID is specifically designed to develop six to eight early-stage faculty members at the University of Hawaiʻi and across Pacific Island institutions who will use artificial intelligence and data science to address cancer and chronic disease outcomes in one of the nation’s most medically underserved and understudied regions,” Shepherd said.

He added that the expected impact to Hawaiʻi is substantial. “Our benchmark for success is that the funded faculty projects, four initially and two to four more when those graduate in year 3, and will later achieve independent NIH R01 (Research 01 level university) funding at an estimated $3.25 million per award. That represents a projected $19.5 million in additional federal research funding returned to the State of Hawaiʻi (six funded R01s) on top of the initial $12 million COBRE award itself — a combined potential economic and research impact of more than $31 million for Hawaiʻi‘s research and healthcare workforce. These estimates are for the first 5-year period.”

PAC-AID joins a growing portfolio of NIH-funded Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, including the , and the .

University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researcher Michele Carbone has been named the recipient of the 2026 Szent-Gy枚rgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research by the (NFCR). The prestigious award recognizes his discovery that inherited mutations in the BAP1 gene can dramatically increase susceptibility to mesothelioma and several other cancers.

The foundation said Carbone鈥檚 work changed how mesothelioma—a rare cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen—is understood, diagnosed, treated and prevented worldwide, while also driving major public health actions in the U.S. and Turkey that have saved lives.

“There is nothing as rewarding as saving lives, telling someone, actually you, your daughter, your son, do not have to die of cancer, you probably will live till old age, and then to see them again, year after year, happy,” Carbone said. “I am incredibly fortunate that my research allowed me to do exactly that. Our research even inspired government action to protect public health in the U.S. and in Turkey. I had the fortune to work with a truly fantastic team of students, technicians, post-doctoral fellows and collaborators: Drs. Harvey Pass and Haining Yang, with whom I shared all failures and successes for almost 30 years.”

Naoto T. Ueno said the recognition reflects the global impact of Carbone鈥檚 decades of work.

“Dr. Michele Carbone鈥檚 recognition with the Szent-Gy枚rgyi Prize is a proud and historic moment for the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center,” said Ueno. “His work represents the highest standard of cancer research: rigorous science that leads to landmark discovery and ultimately saves lives. By identifying inherited BAP1 mutations as a driver of mesothelioma risk, Dr. Carbone changed how we understand cancer susceptibility, prevention, and early intervention. His discoveries have protected families and communities in Hawaiʻi, the U.S., Turkey, and around the world, and they reflect the kind of global impact we strive to advance from Hawaiʻi.”

Carbone will receive the award at the NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship on October 9 in Washington, D.C.

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Blood-based markers that could improve early, less invasive detection of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) have been identified by researchers at the . The discovery offers a potential new blood test to diagnose the disease sooner, monitor its progression and support the development of more targeted treatments for patients facing this fast-moving form of cancer.

The study, published in , was conducted in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Texas at Austin.

IBC is a highly aggressive type of breast cancer that has historically been difficult to distinguish from other forms because it does not show clear genetic differences.

New sequencing approach reveals blood signals

The research team used a specialized sequencing technology to analyze RNA, or genetic instructions, found in blood samples. Led by Naoto Ueno, director at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center, Savitri Krishnamurthy, professor of anatomic pathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Alan Lambowitz, professor of oncology at the University of Texas at Austin, the team examined both tumor and blood samples to identify signals that may improve detection and monitoring of IBC.

Researchers said previous efforts to identify specific markers for IBC have been challenging because the disease closely resembles other cancers in standard tests. In this study, they used a sequencing method known as TGIRT, which is better at capturing complex and fragmented genetic material. The findings suggest that doctors may eventually be able to monitor the disease through simple blood tests rather than tissue biopsies. The markers could also help guide the development of new therapies tailored to this aggressive cancer.

Collaboration, persistence drive discovery

Ueno and associate researcher Xiaoping Wang of the 糖心视频 Cancer Center initiated the collaboration that led to the discovery.

“The project began with simple curiosity and a lot of hard work,” said Ueno. “I first heard about this technology from a friend and was inspired by Dr. Lambowitz鈥檚 vision. At first, many people didn鈥檛 think we could find biological differences between this cancer and others just by looking at a blood sample.”

The project began with simple curiosity and a lot of hard work.
—Naoto Ueno.

Despite early skepticism from colleagues who questioned the project鈥檚 potential due to the rarity and aggressive nature of inflammatory breast cancer, Ueno and Wang continued their work. Their success underscores the importance of teamwork and persistence in advancing understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatments.

“Our discussions with Dr. Lambowitz鈥檚 team helped us better understand the findings and improve the experiments along the way,” Wang said. “Together with support from the clinical team at MD Anderson, these efforts ultimately led to the discovery of a promising blood biomarker that may help diagnose this aggressive and deadly disease.”

The research was funded by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, The Welch Foundation, the UT MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, and the State of Texas Rare and Aggressive Breast Cancer Research Program.

Nearly 100 people gathered in person and online on April 18 at the for the free workshop, “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” learning how these studies work and how patients may benefit from new cancer treatments.

The event also marked the one-year anniversary of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, a patient-empowerment program that brings together patients, survivors, caregivers, and health care providers for education and support.

Attendees learned about the 贬辞鈥�ō濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center, located at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center in Kakaʻako. The new facility will allow Hawaiʻi patients to access early phase, or Phase I, clinical trials locally for the first time, without traveling to the U.S. continent.

Panel discussions and presentations featured clinicians, researchers, survivors and caregivers sharing medical information and personal experiences with clinical trials.

Clinical trials expand access to new hope for patients

“Clinical trials are where research can turn into real hope for patients,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the 糖心视频 Cancer Center. “Clinical trials give patients access to promising new therapies that are not yet widely available鈥攕ometimes offering options when standard treatments are no longer effective.”

Panelist Kimberly Omine, who is undergoing a clinical trial for blood cancer, said the experience has been life-changing. “If I didn鈥檛 go through clinical trials, I wouldn鈥檛 be here.”

糖心视频 Cancer Center officials noted that clinical trials provide closely monitored care and may offer access to treatments that improve outcomes while advancing future cancer research. The center administers nearly 90% of all cancer clinical trials in Hawaiʻi, in partnership with member organizations of the Hawaiʻi Cancer Consortium.

The workshop was produced by the , which continues to expand programming connecting the cancer community across Hawaiʻi.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 student Elizabeth Rooks is earning national recognition for her research on retinoblastoma, a pediatric eye cancer, during a dedicated research year.

Rooks was awarded the Research to Prevent Blindness Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship, a competitive program supporting students advancing the understanding and treatment of eye disease.

“It鈥檚 an incredible honor,” she said. “This fellowship feels like an investment in my future, but more importantly in work that directly impacts patients.”

Advancing retinoblastoma research

Collaborating with researchers at the University of Washington, Rooks examines the genetic mutations behind the retinoblastoma and how they are inherited.

“Some patients also go on to develop osteosarcomas or other cancers in their 40s and 50s, while others never do,” she said.

Her work uses long-read genetic sequencing, which can identify not only mutations but also which parent passed them on.

“Unlike traditional sequencing methods, long-read sequencing lets us see the parental origin of a mutation without needing to test the parents. This is important because earlier research shows that mutations inherited from the father can make retinoblastoma more aggressive,” she said.

Rooks also helps collect and sequence DNA from patients and return findings to clinicians, potentially informing care in a fast-progressing cancer. Understanding the origin may help identify high-risk children earlier and guide more precise treatment.

After her research year, Rooks will return to Hawaiʻi to complete her medical training.

“I am so grateful for this fellowship and for my team,” she said. “Working with them has taught me so much and has shown me the kind of physician I want to become.”

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The University of Hawaiʻi accounted for more than $61.2 million—92% of all federal biomedical research funding awarded in the state from the (NIH)—in fiscal year 2025.

Hawaiʻi received $66.7 million overall in NIH funding, according to a new report from . The investment supported 902 jobs and generated $188.7 million in economic activity statewide.

NIH funding supports a wide range of research across 糖心视频, from improving disease detection and treatment to addressing health disparities and strengthening public health systems that serve island communities, reinforcing the university鈥檚 role in advancing health research and innovation in Hawaiʻi.

had the largest share, with 72 awards totaling $60.7 million, while the received two awards totaling $468,391. While overall funding remained strong, NIH鈥檚 shift to multi-year funding—which obligates the full grant value upfront—resulted in 5,564 fewer grants being funded in FY2025 compared to FY2024.

“Even in a highly competitive and uncertain federal funding environment, University of Hawaiʻi researchers continue to deliver work that improves lives here at home and beyond,” said Chad Walton, 糖心视频 interim vice president for research and innovation. “These investments fuel discoveries, support high-quality jobs and strengthen our local economy. Every dollar makes a difference for our communities.”

Research highlights

Recent awards reflect the diversity of NIH-funded research at 糖心视频:

• $322,891 from the National Cancer Institute supports Shugeng Zhao Cao, professor at the at 糖心视频 Hilo. The project, Discovery of novel natural TEAD inhibitors for the chemoprevention of liver tumors, explores natural compounds from Hawaiian microorganisms to develop the first preventive therapy for liver cancer.



• $2,039,744 from the National Human Genome Research Institute supports Lang Wu, associate professor at the at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center. The research advances genomic tools and approaches to better understand complex diseases and support precision health applications. (Related 糖心视频 News story)
• $459,287 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases supports Youping Deng, professor at the . The project, Hawaii Advanced Training in Artificial Intelligence for Precision Nutrition Science Research, strengthens training in the use of artificial intelligence for nutrition and metabolic health research. (Related 糖心视频 News story)

A University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center study aimed at understanding mesothelioma (a rare, aggressive cancer) in people with inherited BAP1 gene mutations has received a $1-million, five-year All-Star Translational Award from the . The project is led by researchers Michele Carbone and Haining Yang, who previously identified the condition they named “BAP1 Cancer Syndrome.” Individuals born with these mutations may develop multiple cancer types over their lifetime, most commonly mesothelioma.

Related 糖心视频 News story: 糖心视频 Cancer Center identifies treatable form of mesothelioma

Their earlier research, which contributed to a National Cancer Institute surgical clinical trial studying families with the BAP1 mutation over more than 20 years, suggests that tumors arising in some mutation carriers are less invasive and less likely to spread into nearby tissues and organs.

The new project will build on these findings to examine why some BAP1-mutant patients survive longer and identify the biological mechanisms that limit tumor invasion and spread.

“Understanding why some tumors are less invasive opens new possibilities for identifying mechanisms that could guide new therapeutic strategies for mesothelioma,” Carbone said.

Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and community members are invited to the free workshop “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” hosted by the 鈥檚 Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community. The event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 9鈥�11 a.m. at the Sullivan Conference Center.

Attendees will learn how trials work, hear from experts and patient panelists, and explore how participation shapes future care. The event will follow with light refreshments and a preview of the new 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 Early Phase Clinical Research Center, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Participants can attend in-person and via Zoom. .

‘Where research turns into real hope’

“Clinical trials are where research turns into real hope,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the 糖心视频 Cancer Center and a two-time cancer survivor. “They give patients access to promising therapies and new possibilities.”

Clinical trials allow patients to receive new treatments or new combinations of existing therapies, often before they are widely available, while being closely monitored by research teams.

Related 糖心视频 News story: 糖心视频 cancer support network champions patient advocacy

The 糖心视频 Cancer Center administers nearly 90% of cancer clinical trials in Hawaiʻi. Its new 贬辞ʻ艒濒补 facility will expand access to early-phase trials locally.

The workshop also marks the one-year anniversary of the Cancer CARE Community and honors founder Susan Hirano, whose vision continues to support and empower those affected by cancer. Since launching, the Cancer CARE Community has connected hundreds statewide, continuing Hirano鈥檚 legacy of hope and support.

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The , in partnership with Google Cloud, will host a landmark full-day workshop on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, titled, “Accelerating Research in the Age of AI: A Synergistic Workshop with Google.” The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sullivan Conference Center, 糖心视频 Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu.

Designed to reflect the 糖心视频‘s unique geographic and cultural context, the workshop will highlight how academic-industry partnerships can strengthen research capacity by expanding access to advanced AI tools, high-performance computing and specialized technical expertise. The program is open to 糖心视频 faculty, investigators, trainees and students across biomedical, population, ocean, earth and computational sciences.

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“This workshop represents an exciting opportunity for 糖心视频 researchers to engage directly with Google’s leading AI scientists and tools,” said John Shepherd, chief scientific officer at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center, who is organizing the workshop. “We are committed to building the infrastructure and partnerships that will propel our research into the next generation of discovery.”

Workshop highlights

The agenda features a lineup of renowned speakers and interactive sessions, including:

• Keynote: “AI Co-Scientist System and Gemini-Based Research Tools,” presented by Charlie Elliot, lead of rapid innovation, Google Public Sector;
• Flash Talks: Great Challenges Across Disciplines—featuring Peter Sadowski (associate professor, Department of Information and Computer Sciences, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补), István Szapudi (theoretical cosmologist, Institute for Astronomy, 糖心视频), and Justin Stopa (associate professor, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补);
• Deep Dive Sessions covering your “Modern Research Toolkit” (Francisco Gonzalez, application modernization specialist architect, Google Public Sector) and “Federated Learning for Global Collaboration” (Tom Denton, research scientist, Google DeepMind/Google Research);
• Student Poster Competition, with Google-sponsored awards for the best presentations, judged during the Google-sponsored lunch break;
• Co-Designing Breakouts in which participants brainstorm high-impact solutions in three focus areas: AI for hypothesis generation, Google’s cloud tools and federated learning.

The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion and vision synthesis identifying a roadmap for future 糖心视频-Google collaboration, along with the announcement of poster competition award winners.

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The genesis of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community began not in Kaka驶ako, but during a visit to a breast cancer specialist in Texas. There, Susan and Peter Hirano first heard about Naoto Ueno, who would soon become director of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center.

After Ueno relocated to Hawaiʻi, the Hiranos connected with him, and Susan shared her vision: a supportive space where cancer patients, families and caregivers could access information, education and emotional support.

Read more 糖心视频 Giving Day stories

Diagnosed with stage-four metastatic breast cancer in October 2021, Susan immersed herself in research, exploring clinical trials and consulting with specialists at leading institutions.

“She had an intense and fierce determination to live,” Peter said. “So, in addition to researching the science of the disease, she explored other ways to supplement her medical treatments, from reiki massages and naturopathic treatments to acupuncture, meditation and diet.”

Empowering patients, building community

Susan brought that same determination to her medical appointments, encouraging patients to actively participate in their care. That philosophy became the foundation of the Cancer CARE Community—CARE representing Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-Being.

Her vision became reality on April 5, 2025, when the 糖心视频 Cancer Center launched the program.

“I remember that she wasn’t feeling very well that morning,” Peter recalled. “But she told me, ‘Just get me there, and the people will lift me up.’”

During the inaugural workshop, Susan spoke for 25 minutes, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and asking questions. The event culminated in an emotional surprise: the program was officially named in her honor.

“She was blown away,” Peter said. “She had no idea that the team was going to name the program the ‘Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community.’ I am so proud of the legacy she has built.”

Less than two weeks later, on April 18, 2025, Susan passed away peacefully at home.

Sustaining the legacy on Giving Day

Today, the program continues her legacy, offering quarterly workshops that provide holistic support for patients, survivors and caregivers. More than 550 people have attended events so far, with many returning regularly.

“The event was ‘empowering’ to learn about the true value of empowerment––how to find peace with our situation, our thoughts and our choice,” commented one attendee in an evaluation survey.

More 糖心视频 News stories about Susan C. Hirano and her legacy

Community support is vital to help the CARE Community reach more cancer patients, families and caregivers across Hawaiʻi.

As the community comes together for 糖心视频 Giving Day, Peter wants potential donors to know that their contributions aren鈥檛 just abstract numbers.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps ensure the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community can continue providing trusted resources, connection and support for those facing cancer across Hawaiʻi—just as Susan envisioned.

about the Cancer CARE Community, make a gift and explore other Giving Day opportunities.