‘How Clinical Trials Save Lives’ workshop on April 18 at UH Cancer Center aims to help the community understand benefits to patient care, research
April 8, 2026
Free event at the center in Kaka‘ako also marks the 1-year anniversary of Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community patient-empowerment program
Cancer patients/survivors/thrivers, caregivers, families and community members interested in learning how clinical trials are advancing cancer care in Hawaiʻi and worldwide, and how patients may benefit from participating, are invited to attend “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” a free workshop on Saturday, April 18, 2026, presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center.
“How Clinical Trials Save Lives”
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Sullivan Conference Center, UH Cancer Center
701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
9-11 a.m. — Workshop
11 a.m.-12 p.m. — Light refreshments, and video preview of the groundbreaking new Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center
Free admission; in-person and Zoom options available for workshop
Register by April 15
The event also marks the one-year anniversary of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community patient-empowerment program, and honors the legacy of its late founder, center Hope Ambassador Susan Hirano, whose vision continues to shape a supportive and empowering space for those affected by cancer.
“Clinical trials are where research can turn into real hope for patients,” said Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, Director of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, who is also a cancer researcher, clinical oncologist, and a two-time cancer survivor himself. “Clinical trials give patients access to promising new therapies that are not yet widely available — sometimes offering options when standard treatments are no longer effective. These trials can extend lives, improve quality of life, and, in some cases, lead to breakthroughs that change the standard of care for future patients. Through this Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community event, we are helping people understand that participating in clinical trials is not only about advancing science — it is about giving patients and families new possibilities and new hope, right here in Hawaiʻi.”
Clinical trials spark hope with early access to new treatments
Cancer clinical trials are studies in which people with the disease are given new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments. A trial may involve a certain drug, vaccine, type of surgery, or radiation, or a combination of treatments. Every clinical trial is different, so risks also differ. But the benefits of undergoing a clinical trial include early access to life-saving new treatments that may not be available to people outside the trial. The research team closely monitors the clinical-trial patient, adding an extra layer of care. The trial may help researchers learn more about cancer and help people in the future.
The UH Cancer Center administers nearly 90% of all cancer clinical trials in Hawaiʻi, in partnership with member organizations of the Hawaiʻi Cancer Consortium. The UH Cancer Center’s groundbreaking new Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center will change cancer care in the islands: For the first time in history, Hawaiʻi patients will have the opportunity to participate in pioneering Phase I cancer clinical trials close to home.
At the April 18 event, attendees will:
- Learn about clinical research, why participation matters, and how they can influence future studies;
- View presentations on:
- “Clinical Trials 101,” by Dr. Jared Acoba, MD, Associate Researcher, UH Cancer Center, and Medical Oncologist and Director of Research, The Queen’s Medical Center Cancer Center;
- “Empowerment in Participating in Clinical Trials,” by Christa Braun-Inglis, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, Associate Researcher, Translational and Clinical Research, UH Cancer Center; and Advanced Practice Provider
- Hear personal stories from a panel of patients and caregivers — cancer survivors Barbara Carlos and Kimberly Omine, and caregivers Dana Senaha and Scott Meehan;
- Receive an overview of the new Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center;
- Enjoy optional post-event light refreshments and presentation on the Ho‘ōla EPCRC.
Cancer CARE Community marks one year of serving community
Since launching last year, the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community has brought together hundreds of patients, caregivers, survivors, physicians, and researchers to share knowledge, build connections, and share support. Its quarterly events have drawn hundreds of people, and the program is only growing.
For Peter Hirano, Susan’s husband, the anniversary carries great meaning. “This past year has shown how Sue’s vision has resonated with the community and how thirsty the community was for a program like this,” Peter Hirano said. “Susan believed that no one facing cancer should feel alone or without hope. As we mark one year of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community — and also remember Susan’s passing one year ago — it’s incredibly meaningful to see her legacy continue to help patients and families across Hawaiʻi. This program is exactly what she hoped for: It provides a place where people can learn, connect, and find strength together. Seeing people come together, ask questions, and discover new possibilities through clinical trials is something Susan would have been deeply proud of.”
Learn more about the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community
Learn more about the UH Cancer Center
