For more than 50 years, the University of Hawai‘ i Cancer Center has focused on world-class oncology research that has been translated into cutting-edge care for cancer patients. In 2024, we continued our relentless battle against cancer to save lives in Hawai‘ i and the Pacific.

At the UH Cancer Center, we are conducting research that is leading to game-changing clinical care for better health outcomes. Our goal is to empower people to take charge of their health and lives.

Our researchers, clinicians, and staff are not isolated in a laboratory away from the real world. On the contrary, our work is rooted in the lives of real patients in our islands. We understand the frustrations that patients and their families experience, and we work alongside them in their cancer journeys. We recognize that it is our kuleana, or responsibility, to do everything possible to improve their health outcomes and quality of life.

As you will see in this annual report, 2024 was a busy year for our UH Cancer Center team. Our renewal of our National Cancer Institute designation for another five years, with the best score in our center’ s history, was a significant milestone, and a sign that we are moving in the right direction. We also continued to develop our operational and physical infrastructure in preparation for our expected opening in early 2026 of our Ho‘ ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center.

Reflecting on 2024, we must also remember all of our supporters. Our achievements in improving early cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment would not have been possible without the support of those who shared our vision, understood our mission, and believed in the UH Cancer Center.

We are grateful for the support of donors, lawmakers, and others who have brought the UH Cancer Center so far. With everyone’ s cooperation, we can continue to find innovative solutions together and significantly impact the fight against cancer.

Mahalo nui loa,

Naoto T. Ueno, MD, PhD, FACP Director University of Hawai‘ i Cancer Center

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