TABLE OF contents
Ho ‘ ōla Manamana
The UH Cancer Center fosters diversity , health , and knowledge through our mission to reduce the burden of cancer through research , education , patient care , and community outreach , focusing on and embracing the unique and diverse ethnic , cultural , and environmental characteristics of Hawai ‘ i and the Pacific .
2023 Annual Report
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI ‘ I CANCER CENTER
Naoto T . Ueno , MD , PhD Director
ART & PRODUCTION
Managing Editor Michelle Hashimoto
Editors Paula Higuchi , MSW Crissy Terawaki Kawamoto Jan Thurman , MPH
Contributing Writers Andrea Riano Tellez Toshiaki Iwase , MD , PhD Mark Willingham , Jr ., MS
Photographers Andrea Riano Tellez Jena Funakoshi , MA
Graphic Design Zakidesign , LLC
Printing Obun Hawaii
Cover Images : Christopher Aguirre , Samia Amin , PhD , Si Woo Chae , Crissy Terawaki Kawamoto , Myah McDonald , Michelle Nagata , Pallav Pokhrel , PhD , MPH , Tripit Reevesman , Stephanie Si Lim , MD , MBA , Kayzel Rose Tabangcura , Rachel Taketa , Mark Willingham , Jr .
DIVERSITY COLLABORATION
COMMITMENT INNOVATION
1 Director ’ s Message 2 New Faculty 4 Hawai ‘ i Cancer at a Glance
5 Clinical Trials Office 6 Finding a Cause to Asbestos-induced Mesothelioma
Promising New Treatment Option for Liver Cancer 7 Advancing Breast Cancer Imaging Research
8 |
Nurturing Minds through Education |
10 |
Research that Teaches Positive Lifestyle Changes |
11 |
National Support for Innovative Research Projects |
12 Awards & Honors
14 |
Providing Cutting-edge Treatment through Hawai ‘ i |
Cancer Consortium |
15 |
Expanding the Role of Advanced Practice Providers |
in Clinical Trials |
16 |
Quest for a Cure |
17 |
Patient Advocacy Council |
18 |
Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion Office |
19 |
Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity |
20 |
Kū Ola Strives to Improve Health Outcomes for |
Native Hawaiian Men |
21 |
Community Outreach through Educational Events |
22 |
Multiethnic Cohort Study |
23 Two Lives Lost but Not Forgotten : Naomi Hee & Adanette “ Michelle ” Weaver
24 Marathon Runner ’ s Inspiring Journey
25 University of Hawai ‘ i Foundation ’ s Tawney Sablan : My Why