With the height of the COVID-19 pandemic receding , new challenges and opportunities are coming into focus . We are working to return our clinical trials activities to full strength . I want to recognize the efforts of our clinical research staff who have been called upon to do more with less as we lost staff and paused some trials as a result of the pandemic . We are greatly appreciative of all their hard work and are looking forward to getting clinical trials back on track . We are also focused on revitalizing our cancer screening programs . During the pandemic , many skipped going for regular cancer screening , and we are redoubling our efforts to encourage screening so that cancer can be caught early when the best chance for curative treatment .
I also want to recognize the Center ’ s faculty and staff who have worked doggedly during the pandemic to advance research . Indeed , this year , they have already been awarded over $ 20 million in federal funds for new projects to be implemented through the next five years . Finally , this month , we also said goodbye to Dr . Joe Ramos who has served the Center for decades , more recently as Deputy Director and since August 2021 , as Interim Director . He has excelled in these roles and has contributed immensely to our success . He will be sorely missed .
It is an exciting time for the Cancer Center as we prepare for a new permanent director to take the lead and begin the process to renew our NCI Cancer Center Designation . This year we have also recruited several cancer research leaders . Dr . Xin Chen , a renowned liver cancer expert , joined us to co-lead the Cancer Biology Program . We also welcomed Dr . Scott Okamoto who works on preventing substance abuse among rural youth in Hawai ‘ i and Dr . Izumi Okado who works in cancer care delivery research . This is the great benefit of having an NCI-Designated Cancer Center here — that we can have the very best researchers and physicians addressing this dreadful disease as we specifically experience it in Hawai ‘ i and the U . S . Affiliated Pacific Islands .
Each of you are part of our Cancer Center ‘ ohana and we are deeply appreciative of all you do with us to reduce the burden of cancer in the islands .
Mahalo ,
Loïc Le Marchand , MD , PhD Interim Director
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Welcome Xin Chen !
Awarm welcome to Xin Chen , PhD , new co-leader in the Cancer Biology Program ! Chen joined the UH Cancer Center in March . She received her PhD in cell and developmental biology from Harvard University , and completed
Xin Chen , PhD her postdoctoral fellowship at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Stanford University . Chen previously served as a Professor in Residence , Step V in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at the University of California , San Francisco .
As co-leader , Chen hopes to strengthen the Cancer Biology Program and recruit investigators with a strong research focus on cancer disparities .
Recent data indicates that Hawai ‘ i has a significantly higher mortality rate for liver cancer compared to other states , with deaths increasing among males . Chen ’ s research specializes in liver cancer and molecular genetics . Her purpose is to understand how mutated genes function to promote tumor development and tumor metastasis . Chen ’ s research will help understand and target the molecular mechanisms leading to obesity-related liver cancers .
podcast series Cancer Answers
Cancer Answers is a podcast series that provides insights into current research being conducted at the UH Cancer Center , while raising public awareness about cancer risk and prevention in Hawai ‘ i , the Pacific , and beyond .
The 10-episode debut season premiered in late April , and featured in-depth conversations with the Cancer Center ’ s world-class researchers who are at the forefront of new cancer discoveries . Some topics discussed include cancer trends in Hawai ‘ i , physical health and its correlation with cancer , skin cancer prevention , and the role of genes in cancer .
All episodes are available to stream on the UH Cancer Center website , Facebook , YouTube , Apple Podcasts , and Spotify .