Randall F . Holcombe

University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center reached several milestones this past year that highlight our commitment to serving the people of Hawai ‘ i and the Pacifc and our mission to reduce the burden of cancer . Importantly , the Center ’ s National Cancer Institute ( NCI ) designation was renewed . Continually certifed as an NCI Center since 1996 , this designation emphasizes the depth and quality of research , the contributions to education of students , and the exemplary work in community outreach that is directed by our outstanding faculty . Indeed , the NCI rated the Center ’ s eforts in community outreach and engagement as “ exceptional ”, the highest ranking possible .

A second milestone was the 25th anniversary of the Multiethnic Cohort ( MEC ) Study , the largest , most ethnically diverse epidemiologic cohort study in the United States . Te MEC Study has involved over 100,000 people in Hawai ‘ i and has led to over 600 peer-reviewed manuscript publications . Te celebration event was attended by numerous MEC participants , their family members and friends , and many of the UH Cancer Center faculty and staf .

Several examples of research innovation are highlighted in this annual report that span from population-based studies in cancer control such as Dr . Pallav Pokhrel ’ s studies on e-cigarettes in youth to novel clinical trials directed by Drs . Jared Acoba and Jamie Fukui to basic laboratory investigations such as those by Dr . Muller Fabbri . Tese , and others represented in this report , are just a few examples of the unique research conducted by UH Cancer Center faculty that , both directly and indirectly , benefts the people of Hawai ‘ i and others throughout the Pacifc .

It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to lead this great cancer center and its talented faculty toward new discovery and clinical translation , and to contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer mechanisms , cancer disparities and cancer prevention and treatments .

Mahalo !

Randall F . Holcombe , MD , MBA Director

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