With concerns about the coronavirus here in Hawai ‘ i and beyond , these are troubling times . While we grapple with these health concerns , I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your past and ongoing support of the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center . For many of you , the current crisis will evoke memories of dealing with cancer yourselves , or in loved members of your family , and the uncertainties and tribulations associated with that journey . We , at the Cancer Center , are especially concerned about how the virus may impact patients with cancer who have compromised immune systems , especially those in the midst of therapy , but also for those who are survivors .
We are all focused on the immediate needs that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented to us . This has put a pause on many clinical trials activities and even some basic laboratory discoveries . We know that the long-term goal of reducing the burden of cancer will require us to get back to more research , both basic and clinical , focused on patients and in preventing cancer for those at risk . As the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the Pacific , and the only center focused on the cancer problems that specifically affect our population , the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center plays a pivotal role in the fight against cancer .
We are truly appreciative of your support and of so many of the people of Hawai ‘ i . It has enabled us to make grand plans to combat this disease like the creation of an Early Phase Clinical Research Center , the addition of faculty members to our Population Sciences in the Pacific Program , the leadership to help ensure coverage of routine care costs for Medicaid / Med-QUEST patients enrolled on clinical trials , the studies on disparities across different racial and ethnic groups in the development of lung cancer , the enhancement to our education and career efforts , and the studies on culturally grounded prevention efforts for Native Hawaiian men .
Thank you for continuing to be a part of our Cancer Center ‘ ohana as we work to ensure that the best and most novel treatments , trials and prevention strategies are available in Hawai ‘ i and the Pacific .
Mahalo Piha and stay safe ,
Randall F . Holcombe , MD , MBA Director
Hawai ’ i ’ s first cutting-edge research clinic
The UH Cancer Center received a $ 6.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) to build a clinical research center that will significantly improve access to experimental treatments for cancer patients in Hawai ‘ i . The clinic will focus on early phase clinical trials and be the first of its kind in the state .
The Early Phase Cancer Clinical Research Center will provide access to phase 1 trials for cancer patients in Hawai ‘ i . Phase 1 trials represent the cutting edge of cancer treatments and are often considered when patients have a particularly challenging form of cancer or when standard treatments have been unsuccessful .
The federal funds match the $ 6.5 million approved by the state Legislature , and the $ 13 million total will be used to construct the Clinical Research Center , in 36,000 square feet of existing shell space at the UH Cancer Center in Kaka ‘ ako .
“ We are extremely grateful to the state Legislature and the NIH for recognizing the need of this program and the exceptional value it will provide for the people of Hawai ‘ i ,” said UH Cancer Center Director Randall Holcombe . “ The center will be focused on finding new treatments and providing them to our residents without the expense and difficulties of travel to another NCI-designated cancer center on the mainland .”
Approximately 6,700 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Hawai ‘ i . The research center will serve an estimated 100 to 200 patients annually who would have otherwise had to travel out of state for treatment .
The development of a program in Early Phase Cancer Clinical Trials , and recruitment of the faculty physicians , nurses and pharmacists , is a joint venture of the UH Cancer Center , the University of Hawai ‘ i and clinical partners in the Hawai ‘ i Cancer Consortium .
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