UH CANCER CENTER STATEWIDE
Ho‘ ōla Center Preparing to Offer Innovative Cancer Treatments
The opening of the Ho‘ ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center within the ewa wing of the UH Cancer Center in
Kaka‘ ako, scheduled for early 2026, is expected to be a game changer: For the
Number of active clinical
trials in 2024 139
Number of therapeutic trials in 2024 68
Number of patients / participants in
trials in 2024
24,605 first time, cancer patients in Hawai‘ i will have access to Phase 1 clinical trial treatments tailored for different racial and ethnic groups, right here at home, without having to leave the Islands. The innovative Phase 1 clinical trials and treatments offered through this pioneering facility, a first in the state, will include drugs pending FDA approval.
Ho‘ ōla—“ to heal” in Hawaiian— will help to eliminate costly trips to the continent, thousands of miles away from home. Patients will be able to receive cutting-edge cancer care while remaining close to their families and support systems, which is critical in their healing journey.
Spanning more than 7,800 square feet, Ho‘ ōla is a collaborative effort involving RIM Architects, Coffman Engineers, and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, with a total project value of $ 19.5 million. This includes a $ 6,478,224 grant from the National Institutes of Health, an equal contribution from the Hawai‘ i State Legislature, and Congressional Directed Spendings.
Dr. Toshiaki Iwase, Medical Director of the UH Cancer Center’ s Clinical Trials Office, is leading this effort. Before joining the UH Cancer Center, he was a researcher with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
“ Working with our health partners in the Hawai‘ i Cancer Consortium, we hope to see Ho‘ ōla become a hub for cancer care right here in our islands,” said Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, UH Cancer Center Director.“ By tailoring treatments for different racial and ethnic groups, the center seeks to address the unique needs of Hawai‘ i’ s varied population. Ho‘ ōla is poised to be pivotal in advancing cancer care in Hawai‘ i.”
Rendering of Ho‘ ōla’ s lobby area. Image courtesy of RIM Architects
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