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Editor's note: We apologize that this issue of Ola Hou was delayed due to technical difficulties. Mahalo for your understanding and support.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green is underscoring the critical importance of cancer research and overall medical science as both a humanitarian responsibility, and a matter of national and international security. Green's remarks on January 23 came before nearly 100 people gathered at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center for a roundtable discussion on how cancer research will carry on amid federal funding cuts, held as part of the center’s 17th Annual Barry & Virginia Weinman Symposium. Green also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting UH and the UH Cancer Center, pointing to a plan to provide an additional $7.5 million to the center. The  symposium, January 21-23, was led by Dr. Michele Carbone, Co-Founder of the Weinman Symposium and Director, Thoracic Oncology, UH Cancer Center. Click here to read more about the governor’s remarks. Click here and here to learn more about the Weinman Symposium, or go to WeinmanSymposium.com.

The latest issue of HMSA’s Island Scene magazine profiles Nā Wāhine Hula ‘Ākala — a hula group that was formed after two UH Cancer Center studies that examined how hula could provide health benefits for survivors of breast and gynecological cancers. While the studies were successfully concluded years ago, the participants built relationships and bonds that continue to bring them together today, to commune, practice, and perform on behalf of the UH Cancer Center. Click here to read the article (starting on page 28). Mahalo to hālau leader TeMoana Makolo and the ladies of Nā Wāhine Hula ‘Ākala for always representing our center with wisdom and grace.

Lynne Wilkens, UH Cancer Center Director of Biostatistics Shared Resource, and Associate Director of Shared Resources, was recently interviewed on HI Now Daily on Hawaii News Now about our new Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, which opens on March 2. For the first time in Hawai‘i history, qualifying local patients will have the opportunity to access Phase I clinical trial treatments for cancer right here in Honolulu, instead of having to fly to the U.S. continent. Mahalo to the University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly for inviting our center to be a part of their HNN interview series! Click here to watch the interview.

Nearly 100 people came for support and education at “Caring for Caregivers,” the January 17 event presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community at our Sullivan Conference Center. Dr. Kevin Cassel, Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement, presented on research and supportive resources; Cancer CARE Community Co-Founder Peter Hirano shared his experience as caregiver for his late wife, Susan; and palliative care physician Dr. Faryal Michaud gave insights and led a journaling exercise. Separate discussion sessions were held for caregivers, and patients/survivors/thrivers.
The public is invited to the next event of the Cancer CARE Community, “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” on April 18 at the center. Details to be announced. Click here for program information.

Faculty, staff and the public had a chance to learn more about our center's Nutrition Support Shared Resource (NSSR) department and its capabilities and resources at its first open house, held January 20. Attendees were invited to meet the NSSR’s team of researchers, nutritionists and staff, tour the Translational Research Clinic, check out unique tools, experience cooking demonstrations, and sample healthful food from our center’s Metabolic Kitchen. Mahalo to everyone who visited! For more information on the NSSR, click here. To view a video from the open house, click here.

'How Clinical Trials Save Lives' — Presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, UH Cancer Center
Saturday, April 18
Sullivan Conference Center, UH Cancer Center
Registration details to come

JOB BOARD

Graduate Research Assistant - Population Sciences in the Pacific

Professor - Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center Director

For all University of Hawaiʻi Internal Civil Service Recruitments, please see the bulletin by the Human Resources Office for the most current vacancies.

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Investigating the Causal Effect of Potential Therapeutic Agents for Colorectal Cancer Prevention: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis. Fryer E, Bishop DT, Campbell PT, Chan AT, Le Marchand L, Li CI, Moreno V, Gunter MJ, Phipps AI, Grant RC, Schmit SL, Martin RM, Yarmolinsky J, Haycock P. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2026 Jan 9;35(1):95-108. 

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The Impact of The 2023 ACS Screening Recommendations on Racial, Ethnic, and Sex Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility. Manful A, Amanna N, Park SL, Petrick JL, Rosenberg L, Tindle H, Palmer J, Wilkens L, Le Marchand L, Aldrich MC, Blume JD. Chest. 2026 Jan 22:S0012-3692(26)00122-4. 

High levels of circulating miR-19a-3p in patients with metastatic HER2 + breast cancer are associated with a favorable prognosis and anti-tumor immune responses. Cohen EN, Gao H, Tin S, Wu Q, Ivan C, Ueno NT, Woodward WA, Reuben JM, Anfossi S. Breast Cancer Res. 2026 Jan 26;28(1):3. 

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