The University of Hawai`i Cancer Center will soon break ground on the state-of-the-art Early Phase Clinical Research Center ( EPCRC ), which will provide access to phase 1 clinical trials for cancer patients in Hawai ‘ i . The EPCRC will alleviate the need to travel to the mainland for specialized treatments that are on the cutting edge and are often considered when patients have a particularly challenging form of cancer or when previous treatments have been unsuccessful . These trials will benefit Hawai ‘ i ' s diverse racial / ethnic populations .
The Friends are very excited about this project as we have seen how challenging it is for patients with advanced disease to travel . Patients incur significant financial hardship to relocate to a mainland city , often for three to four months while receiving treatment on a clinical trial . And to be in a strange place without the loving support of family and friends adds to the physical and emotional hardship in significant ways . This EPCRC will be a win-win for patients and for our community in both ’ s goals to beat cancer .
Meditation Room
When the Friends learned of the inclusion of two Meditation Rooms in the EPCRC ’ s design , the idea of a space that supports stress reduction for patients and their families made so much sense to us . The Friends are very pleased to make a meaningful donation to name a Meditation Room in the EPCRC . We hope that the physical , mental , and emotional challenges that patients and their loved ones will face through the clinical trial process can be alleviated by having access to a quiet , centering space that supports meditation and mindfulness . Studies show benefits that include decreased pain , better immune function , less anxiety , and a heightened sense of well-being and happiness , which we hope all patients and their families can experience .
Graduate student receives Friends-Clinical Labs fellowship for lung cancer research
Zitong Gao , an outstanding Molecular
Bioscience and Bioengineering PhD candidate at UH Mānoa , has received a three-year fellowship to study lung cancer at the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center . The fellowship , sponsored by the Friends of the UH Cancer Center and Clinical Labs of Hawai ‘ i , was established in 2021 to support a doctoral student in cancer research .
“ It is such a big surprise and honor for me to be the first recipient of this fellowship ,” said Gao . “ Most lung cancer cases are diagnosed at later stages when treatment options are less likely to be curative . I hope my research results can be used to work towards earlier detection of the disease to increase its overall survival rate .”
Gao ’ s selection was based on the criteria of topic relevance to cancer prevention or control , stated interest in cancer research , research skills , and mentor evaluation . She has shown high productivity as first author of five of 12 peer-reviewed publications , and great success in converting data into quality research conclusions .
Zitong Gao
“ As a nonprofit whose purpose is to support and promote the UH Cancer Center , the Friends is so very pleased to partially underwrite this program , which will lead to impactful research and also foster researcher talent and growth ," said Monica McLaren , board president of the Friends of UH Cancer Center . " We are excited to support Zitong Gao ’ s journey and to see how it will lead to better health for us all ."
“ Clinical Labs of Hawai ‘ i is very proud to partner with the UH Cancer Center to support scientific research in Hawai ‘ i ,” said Clinical Labs of Hawai ‘ i President Ally Park . “ It is important for us all to invest in ourselves , keep our talent in Hawai ‘ i , and promote healthcare and research amongst our unique and diverse population .”
During her fellowship , Gao will conduct research on biomarkers with the aim of discovering possible mechanisms in lung cancer development . She hopes to advance strategies for early detection and the prediction of distant metastases .