BRINGING YOU RESEARCH NEWS FROM THE
SUMMER 2023
DIRECTOR ’ S MESSAGE
Reflecting on my initial months as director , I find myself inspired by our community ’ s passion , creativity , and resilience . This journey has been both exhilarating and challenging , fostering my growth as a leader and reinforcing my belief in the power of collective effort .
PHOTO CREDIT : UHOVPRI / BRAD GODA PHOTOGRAPHY
We are focusing on key initiatives to enhance innovation and foster inclusivity within the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center , including refining our core values and setting aspirations to propel us to new heights . We firmly believe that nurturing a diverse and dynamic environment can ignite groundbreaking ideas and drive substantial progress .
One of our crucial efforts is the Cancer Center Support Grant resubmission in September 2023 , which will shape our direction for the next five years . We will foster more interactive Population Sciences in the Pacific and Cancer Biology programs to address health disparities and unique challenges within the areas that we serve , Hawai ‘ i and the U . S . -Affiliated Pacific Islands . This will be intricately woven with the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement ( COE ) with a concerted focus on Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion ( DEI ).
Furthermore , we are enhancing the translational component of our discoveries in cancer prevention and therapeutics / diagnostics by developing robust clinical research operations and clinical oncology activities .
Looking ahead , we are dedicated to catalyzing change and sculpting a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and benefit from the fruits of innovation .
Stay tuned for more updates , and as always , thank you for your unwavering support .
Mahalo ,
NAOTO T . UENO , MD , PhD Director
UH Cancer Center Director , Naoto T . Ueno , MD , PhD is a two-time cancer survivor who possesses a unique comprehensive view of healthcare as a physician , researcher , and patient which has nurtured his passion for patient-centered research-driven clinical care . The Innovations staff invited our new director to “ talk story ” about his cancer journey and how clinical trials have played a vital role .
Q & A WITH DR . UENO
WHAT KIND OF CANCERS DID YOU HAVE ?
I was first diagnosed in my thigh with sarcoma , a type of cancer that starts in the soft tissues , like muscles , nerves , tendons , fat , and blood vessels . They ’ re everywhere in your body so sarcoma can appear almost anywhere .
I was later diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome ( MDS ), which is related to how your body makes blood cells , leading to leukemia . In a healthy body , your bone marrow ( like a blood cell factory inside your bones ) produces new blood cells every day . My body struggles to make enough healthy blood cells .
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1 INNOVATIONS SUMMER 2023