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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方, 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方:

• $322,891 from the National Cancer Institute supports Shugeng Zhao Cao, professor at the at 糖心Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 Cancer Center. The research advances genomic tools and approaches to better understand complex diseases and support precision health applications. (Related 糖心Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 News story: 糖心Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 News story: 糖心Vlog官方 cancer support network champions patient advocacy

The 糖心Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu.

Designed to reflect the 糖心Vlog官方‘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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 researchers to engage directly with Google’s leading AI scientists and tools,” said John Shepherd, chief scientific officer at the 糖心Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补), István Szapudi (theoretical cosmologist, Institute for Astronomy, 糖心Vlog官方), and Justin Stopa (associate professor, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, 糖心Vlog官方 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Vlog官方-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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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Vlog官方 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.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 is part of a new $3.5 million multi-state project to improve cervical cancer screening and follow-up at primary care clinics in Hawaiʻi, Florida and Massachusetts. The Hawaiʻi portion, led by Holly Fontenot, associate dean for research and professor at the and faculty member of the , is supported by a major five–year, R01 award from the National Institutes of Health.

The project, Development of Systems and Education for Cervical Cancer Prevention (DOSE–CC), will adapt, validate and test interventions designed to boost cervical cancer prevention and follow-up care across diverse populations.

Fontenot brings experience from her prior work in women鈥檚 health and HPV-associated cancer prevention, and is one of four multiple principal investigators collaborating with Boston Medical Center, Tufts University and the Moffitt Cancer Center. The Hawaiʻi research team also includes Komal Soin and Patty Tran from the .

“This award reflects the strength of our ongoing research partnerships and the importance of multidisciplinary teams working together to develop effective, sustainable and impactful multi-level interventions that help to transform the current paradigm in cancer screening and follow-up,” Fontenot said.

The project builds on previous studies, including Cervical Cancer: Provider Response and Options of Guidelines Related to Screening Strategies (CC PROGRESS), funded by the American Cancer Society, and DOSE–HPV, which successfully increased HPV vaccination rates.

By combining clinical research with community engagement, the project seeks to develop sustainable, effective interventions that can be scaled nationally — including across the U.S. Work on DOSE–CC is already underway and is expected to be completed by 2030.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green emphasized that cancer research and medical science are not only matters of public health, but also essential to national and global security, during a roundtable discussion at the ’s 17th Annual on January 23.

The three-day international symposium, held January 21–23, at the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center in Kakaʻako, brought together leading researchers and clinicians from around the world to share cutting-edge discoveries in cancer genetics and environmental carcinogenesis — the interaction between genetic and environmental factors that influence cancer risk and treatment outcomes.

Cuts, costs, commitment

Speaking before nearly 100 attendees including international and U.S. cancer researchers, 糖心Vlog官方 faculty, students and community members, Green addressed concerns about the future of medical research amid rising costs and federal funding cuts. The discussion was moderated by Michele Carbone, co-founder of the Weinman Symposium and director of thoracic oncology at the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center.

Cancer does not know a red state or a blue state.
—Gov. Josh Green

“The challenges are many, but there鈥檚 no question that states can help,” said Green. He pointed to a plan to provide an additional $7.5 million to the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center to help sustain research momentum during a difficult fiscal period.

Green warned that reductions in federal research funding threaten the nation鈥檚 ability to respond to future health crises and stressed that science should transcend politics.

“Cancer does not know a red state or a blue state,” he said. “It doesn鈥檛 know ideology. This is something we should commit ourselves to for humanity.”

He also tied biomedical research directly to global security, citing emerging technologies such as RNA-based research and vaccines. “If we don鈥檛 fund important research and someone else does—and they control that scientific discipline—we鈥檙e not just at a disadvantage during outbreaks,” Green said. “It鈥檚 unsafe to have monolithic control of major technologies.”

糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center Director Naoto Ueno expressed appreciation for the governor鈥檚 support. “His vision, making sure that there is long-term cancer research, really makes a big difference,” Ueno said. “There are 70,000 people in Hawaiʻi with cancer. The only way to cure cancer for future generations is to advance research.”

Green also presented the 2026 Weinman Award to Antoni Ribas of UCLA, a leader in cancer immunotherapy research.

Read more at the .

Cancer patients traveling off-island for treatment. K奴puna waiting months to see a neurologist. Rural communities struggling to access behavioral health and addiction services. These challenging realities are driving the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents request for $3,724,600 to expand Hawaiʻi鈥檚 healthcare workforce and improve access to care across the islands.

The funding would support 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 new Health Science and Healthcare Interdisciplinary Workforce Initiative, a coordinated hire request that would add 18.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinician and faculty positions across five health sciences units to address severe shortages in high-need medical fields, including cancer, neurology and dementia, and behavioral health integration and addiction medicine.

“糖心Vlog官方 has a kuleana to the people and ʻāina of Hawaiʻi, and that responsibility drives us to focus on solutions that make a real difference in our communities,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel. “By strengthening our healthcare workforce, we can train more providers and expand access to care for kupuna and families across all islands.”

Expanding the healthcare pipeline, patient care

The coordinated hire would add clinician faculty who both train future healthcare providers and deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved communities across the state.

“The goal is to improve access to care across all islands by providing direct clinical services and addressing shortages in underserved communities,” said 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “This coordinated request for positions will increase the workforce pipeline by training more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other health providers essential to providing high quality care for patients with dementia, addictions, or other behavioral health challenges.”

Addressing high-priority health needs

The initiative spans five 糖心Vlog官方 units—糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , the , the , the , and the 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo —and focuses on clinician leaders and researchers working with state and health system partners through community-based, interprofessional approaches aligned with legislative priorities.

Funding would be directed toward three high-priority health areas identified as critical needs for the state:

• Cancer ($1,674,400; 6.35 FTE): Establishing an accredited hematology-oncology fellowship and expanding clinical research capacity.
• Neurology and Dementia ($1,162,200; 7.40 FTE): Creating an accredited neurology residency program and expanding the K奴puna Workforce Innovation Hub.
• Behavioral Health Integration and Addiction Medicine ($888,000; 4.75 FTE): Expanding the Education and Research Center of Addiction Medicine and enhancing telehealth services.
• Beyond direct patient care, the initiative would support statewide continuing education in dementia care and behavioral health–primary care integration, consistent with Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and legislative priorities.

Targeted request in a tight budget climate

The initiative is one of two high-priority items in 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 $18.8 million supplemental operating budget request () for fiscal year 2026–27, introduced amid slowing state revenue growth.

“We purposefully limited the request to major strategic items that are time-sensitive and provide essential benefits to both the state and the university,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President for Budget and Finance Luis Salaveria. “Given the current fiscal climate, this approach allows 糖心Vlog官方 to focus its resources on areas where the need is greatest, and the impact on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 communities will be most immediate.”

Caring for a loved one with cancer can be isolating, but more than 100 people found support, education and connection at “Caring for Caregivers,” a free interactive workshop held January 17, at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center in Kaka驶ako.

Presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, the quarterly workshop brought together in-person and online participants to learn about caregiver research, practice journaling for emotional processing, and take part in facilitated breakout discussions for caregivers and for patients, survivors and thrivers.

“Caregiving can feel very lonely. But the message we want to convey to all caregivers is: You’re not alone,” said Peter Hirano, whose late wife, Susan Hirano, was a patient advocate and founder of the Cancer CARE Community. He shared personal reflections from his wife’s cancer journey and emphasized the importance of self-care and connection.

‘Acknowledge, uplift, educate and empower’

In Hawaiʻi, more than 70,000 people are living with cancer, and about one in four adults are family caregivers. Hirano said the event was designed to “acknowledge, uplift, educate and empower caregivers, who often are among the unsung heroes of the cancer journey.”

Featured speakers included Kevin Cassel, associate director for community outreach and engagement at the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center, who highlighted current caregiver research and practical resources for patients and families. Faryal Michaud, a palliative care physician and certified life and wellness coach, led participants through a journaling exercise focused on reframing anxious or overwhelming thoughts.

“It is important to connect with other people in your environment and your community, to talk and hold space for each other,” Michaud said. “Your experience as a caregiver is legitimate and important as well.”

The next free workshop, “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” will be held April 18. More information is available at the

Director Naoto Ueno and his wife, Miwa Ueno, have announced an estate gift to the to establish the Michiko, Miwa, and Naoto Ueno Memorial Fund鈥攁n endowed fund that will provide long-term, unrestricted support for the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center鈥檚 most pressing needs.

The gift reflects a deeply personal commitment to the future of cancer care and research in Hawaiʻi, shaped by family, gratitude and a sense of responsibility to the community the Uenos now call home.

“This gift comes from gratitude and responsibility—a deep sense of kuleana, our shared obligation to give back to the community that has welcomed us so warmly,” said Ueno. “We are grateful for the care and hope we鈥檝e experienced through the Cancer Center, and we feel a responsibility to help ensure future generations in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific will have access to even stronger cancer care and research.”

…cancer care is never just about science or medicine: it鈥檚 about people, their stories and the legacy we leave behind.
—Naoto Ueno

The fund is named for Miwa鈥檚 mother, Michiko Ueno, whose success in international business helped make the gift possible; Miwa, whose values shape the couple鈥檚 vision; and Naoto, whose life鈥檚 work has been dedicated to advancing cancer research and care.

“The fund鈥檚 name carries deep meaning,” Naoto said. “Each name reminds us that cancer care is never just about science or medicine: it鈥檚 about people, their stories and the legacy we leave behind.”

As director, Naoto has led efforts to expand clinical trials, increase access for patients across the islands and strengthen the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center鈥檚 research excellence. The endowed fund will provide the flexibility to respond to emerging needs with timeliness and impact.

“Our hope is that this fund will empower the Cancer Center for years to come, supporting groundbreaking research, expanding clinical trials, and opening doors to education and outreach,” Ueno said. “We want this legacy to give the Center the courage to stay bold and innovative—unafraid to lead.”

A survivor of both myelodysplastic syndrome and sarcoma, Ueno said his most affirming moments come when research translates into real-world impact.

“I do not want anyone in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to go through the same suffering I went through. And the only way to cure cancer is through research,” he said.

Read the full story on the .

The University of Hawaiʻi has secured two major grants from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, each exceeding $1 million, which will support health-oriented initiatives. One grant will go to the and the other to the (JABSOM).

“Helmsley is committed to helping communities overcome barriers to care,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “Investing in expanded clinical capacity and hands-on training aligns with our core belief that access to health and opportunity shouldn鈥檛 depend on where you live.”

Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center

The 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center award will fund essential start-up costs for the groundbreaking new Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, scheduled to open in March 2026. With the launch of Hoʻōla, local residents will be able to participate in pioneering cancer trials close to home for the first time. Until now, many patients have faced the burden of traveling to the U.S. continent for early-stage studies, or have not been able to afford going at all.

“This support from the Helmsley Trust will help us accelerate the launch of the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center—a critical step toward expanding access to novel cancer treatments for our communities,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno, who is a two-time cancer survivor himself. “This aligns with our mission to save lives in Hawaiʻi and in the Pacific, and strengthens our position as a local and national leader in cancer research.”

Advanced training equipment for medical education

Helmsley鈥檚 support will enhance medical education statewide by upgrading simulation and training resources at JABSOM and on the neighbor islands. New Anatomage Tables—real-human-based virtual dissection systems—transform the teaching and study of anatomy. Deploying these state-of-the-art tools on the neighbor islands ensures JABSOM students and trainees learning in rural areas will have equitable access to education. In addition, portable ultrasounds and advanced procedural models will expand hands-on learning for students, residents and healthcare professionals.

“The Helmsley Charitable Trust鈥檚 investment helps JABSOM continue its commitment to training doctors who are prepared to meet Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique healthcare challenges,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Upgrading our simulation equipment strengthens our capacity to teach with precision, safety and compassion.”

“These gifts demonstrate Helmsley鈥檚 belief in 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 ability to deliver both innovation and impact—from pioneering research to hands-on medical training,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation CEO and 糖心Vlog官方 Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “We are deeply grateful for this support, which strengthens Hawaiʻi鈥檚 healthcare future from discovery to delivery.”

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A study suggests that breast cancer patients may benefit longer from antibody-drug treatments if doctors switch to a different drug type after the first one stops working.

Presented December 10, 2025, at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the research shows that in laboratory and animal models, tumors that stopped responding to one antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) regained sensitivity when treated with a follow-up ADC carrying a different drug class.

ADCs work by using an antibody to guide a potent cancer drug directly to tumor cells. Many breast cancer ADCs, however, use the same DNA-targeting drug type, and clinical experience has shown that using similar ADCs back-to-back often provides limited benefit.

The 糖心Vlog官方 team found this may be due to cross-resistance. In models of both HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer, switching from a DNA-targeting drug to a cell-division鈥揵locking drug restored tumor control, even though the antibody was still hitting the same cancer-cell marker.

“A simple takeaway is this: After a cancer progresses on one ADC, choose the next ADC with a different kind of drug,” said Jangsoon (Jason) Lee, associate professor and director of the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center Preclinical Core. “This drug-guided approach could help these smart treatments work longer for patients.”

“These findings show that drug resistance is not necessarily the end of the line for cancer patients,” added Naoto T. Ueno, 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center director. “Choosing the right kind of drug next could help more patients benefit from ADCs.”

The 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center is now working with clinical partners to design studies that match the next ADC鈥檚 drug payload to how a patient鈥檚 tumor becomes resistant, aiming to extend treatment benefit.

University of Hawaiʻi at researcher Jesse Owens has received a $2 million NIH (National Institutes of Health) grant to advance his lab鈥檚 pioneering gene-editing technology at the (JABSOM).

Related 糖心Vlog官方 News story: Next generation gene therapy tools built by 糖心Vlog官方 scientist

“This is my dream grant,” said Owens, associate professor at JABSOM鈥檚 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. “It鈥檚 the project I鈥檝e always wanted to do. It funds exactly what our lab is passionate about, which is developing safer, more precise tools for gene therapy that can be used across many different diseases.”

The four-year, $2 million R01 award supports Owens鈥� effort to create a new generation of transposases, the specialized enzymes that insert genes into precise genome locations. Unlike other gene-editing tools such as CRISPR—which cut DNA and can sometimes lead to unwanted mutations during the repair process—Owens鈥� method replaces genes without cutting or exposing the DNA, allowing for safer and more precise gene delivery.

Refining precision in gene therapy

That precision is the result of years of meticulous research. Graduate student Chris Tran created and tested more than 200 mutated enzymes to find one that makes very few mistakes and changes only the intended genes without affecting others. The lab鈥檚 next goal is to improve the system鈥檚 “on-target” efficiency—the rate at which genes land exactly where intended.

“Our goal now is to find that perfect balance,” Owens said. “We鈥檝e minimized the off-target effects; now we鈥檙e working on boosting the on-target performance so that the system is both incredibly safe and incredibly effective.”

Owens鈥� lab has already made remarkable progress. Early versions achieved less than 1% gene delivery efficiency. Through years of refinement, the latest system now reaches nearly 100% efficiency, a leap Owens once thought impossible.

“What we didn鈥檛 realize early on was just how fine-tuned this system needed to be,” he said. “If you move the target by just two base pairs, the efficiency can drop dramatically. We had to test hundreds of iterations to find the right combination.”

Building tools to fight many diseases

Owens describes his lab as “disease agnostic,” building tools that can be applied broadly, from hemophilia to cystic fibrosis to cancer.

Imagine something that started in your PhD eventually becoming part of a therapy that fights cancer.
—Jesse Owens

“It鈥檚 a special type of R01 (grant),” he explained. “It鈥檚 not tied to one disease area, which is perfect for us. We can focus on making the best tool possible, and then share it with researchers who specialize in different diseases.”

Ultimately, Owens hopes the technology will accelerate CAR T immunotherapy, which reprograms immune cells to destroy cancer. His team plans to test the system in human T-cells before collaborating with clinical researchers.

“The really exciting thing is that this could one day help treat actual patients,” Owens said. “Imagine something that started in your PhD eventually becoming part of a therapy that fights cancer. That鈥檚 what drives us.”

The grant also supports two JABSOM graduate students, providing hands-on experience at the forefront of gene therapy research.

“Dr. Owens and his team are not only advancing the science of gene editing, they鈥檙e inspiring the next generation of scientists who will continue our legacy of innovation and discovery,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight advances in early detection and research that save lives. Scientists at the are leading efforts to improve breast cancer screening and risk modeling for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 diverse population.

John Shepherd, chief scientific officer and director of the , shares what people should know about breast density, a key factor in both cancer risk and detection. Shepherd also explains a new federal mandate requiring that every person undergoing mammography in the U.S. be informed about their breast density.

Q: What exactly is breast density, and why does it matter?

Breast density can be thought of in two ways: biologically and practically. Biologically, it refers to having more fibrous tissue in the breast, which makes it stiffer. The more of that type of tissue a woman has, the higher her risk of breast cancer. Practically speaking, we detect breast density through mammograms. On a mammogram, dense tissue appears white鈥攁nd so does cancer. That means the denser the breast, the harder it is for radiologists to see potential cancers.

Q: What factors influence breast density?

Some factors can鈥檛 be changed, like genetics. For instance, Native Hawaiian and Asian women generally have higher breast density than Caucasian or Hispanic women. Other factors are lifestyle-related. Body mass index, smoking and having children can all influence density. Diet also plays a role. Women who smoke tend to have higher breast density, while those who have had children usually have lower density.

Q: What鈥檚 changing with the new mammography regulations?

A new law—an update to the Mammography Quality Standards Act—now requires that mammography reports sent to patients include information about breast density. In the past, a report might have said something simple like, “We don鈥檛 see cancer. Come back next year.” Now it must include wording that tells women if they have dense breast tissue and that it can make cancers harder to detect. The goal is to help women understand their screening results and talk with their healthcare providers about their individual risk.

Q: What can women do if they learn they have dense breast tissue?

One practical step is to use online risk assessment tools. You can enter your age, breast density, and other factors to get an overall picture of your breast cancer risk. Not all women with dense breasts are at high risk, but knowing your risk can guide decisions about screening and prevention. Regular mammograms, breast self-exams and discussions with your doctor are key to maintaining breast health.

Q: Why is this issue especially important in Hawaiʻi?

Because Native Hawaiian and Asian women generally have higher breast density, cancers may be more easily masked in mammograms here. This means women in Hawaiʻi might benefit from supplemental screening such as ultrasound or MRI. Understanding these differences helps ensure that all women—especially those in higher-risk groups—get the care and screening they need.

Watch the full interview with John Shepherd.

A tiny molecule called a nanobody may succeed where today鈥檚 cancer drugs often fail, according to University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 researcher Stefan Moisyadi, who has been refining the concept for nearly a decade.

“Antibodies won the Nobel Prize for immunotherapy,” said Moisyadi, a scientist at the at the (JABSOM). “They work in some cancers, but not all. In colorectal cancer, they hardly work at all. But when we used nanobodies, bingo, it worked.”

The study, published in , shows how Moisyadi and his team from JABSOM, the , and the used mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) to make the body produce nanobodies that block PD-L1—a molecule that helps tumors hide from the immune system. By stopping PD-L1, nanobodies allow immune cells to recognize and attack cancer.

Smaller, stronger and more affordable

Nanobodies are about one-tenth the size of regular antibodies, cheaper to make, and more resilient under stress, according to the research.

“They don鈥檛 trigger an immune response in the patient,” Moisyadi said. “They penetrate better because they鈥檙e small. They can even refold back to their original shape when conditions improve. Basically, they鈥檙e indestructible—they work much better and they鈥檙e cheaper.”

Basically, they鈥檙e indestructible—they work much better and they鈥檙e cheaper.
—Stefan Moisyadi

While traditional antibody treatments can cost patients more than $200,000 a year, nanobody therapy—delivered as mRNA, similar to the COVID-19 vaccines—could cost only a fraction of that, making it far more accessible to patients.

“People can鈥檛 afford antibody treatments,” Moisyadi said. “Here we make an RNA version. The patient鈥檚 own cells turn it into a protein… It goes into the circulation, finds the tumor, and blocks PD-L1.”

In mouse studies, the treatment cut tumor growth by about 50%—a major result for a cancer that rarely responds to immunotherapy.

Now collaborating with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Moisyadi hopes to see this breakthrough continue growing from its roots in Hawaiʻi.

“This works,” he said. “We have the chance to be on the cutting edge. We need to have leaders’ buy-in because everyone here is still focused on antibodies.”

More than 300 people joined in person and online at the on October 4 for Diet & Nutrition for the Cancer Journey, a free public event held in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The “ʻOhana Pink” gathering, part of the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center鈥檚 , was the largest yet, featuring expert discussions, a cooking demonstration, food giveaways and wellness resources.

Attendees heard from Sharon Kaʻiulani Odom, executive director of the , registered dietitian and breast cancer survivor, who shared how farm-fresh, whole foods promote health. Native Hawaiian chef Tammy Mahealani Smith demonstrated how to prepare 濒奴ʻ补耻 stew using locally sourced ingredients, followed by a shared meal and panel discussion with nutrition and cancer experts from the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center, Breast Cancer Hawaii and Get Redy Farm.

‘Food is medicine’

“Having so many people show up reaffirms that diet and nutrition during the cancer journey is a topic of high interest—not only for patients, but also caregivers, families and those wanting to prevent cancer,” said Jami Fukui, chief of clinical breast oncology for the Ka ʻUmeke Lama program (an initiative launched by the to improve cancer care in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific) and ʻOhana Pink founder. “Food is medicine. Healthful, nutrient–dense food can help us be our best healthy selves.”

糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center Director Dr. Naoto T. Ueno added, “By offering free workshops like this, the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center is broadening its scope. Not only are we conducting cutting–edge scientific research and innovative clinical trials, and strong community outreach, we aim to support Hawaiʻi鈥檚 past and current patients through every phase of the journey, with care and aloha.”

Peter Hirano, husband of the late Susan Hirano, said, “Susan believed that no one should face cancer alone—that education, community connection and aloha are as fundamental as medical treatments.”

The next event for the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community will be held on January 17, 2026, and focus on the caregiver鈥檚 journey.