A University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� research team is working to improve lung cancer treatment by developing new ways to predict which patients will respond to immunotherapy and identify treatments that can overcome resistance. The five-year, approximately $3.26 million National Institutes of Health grant supports the (JABSOM) and the research team.

The project, “Novel Biomarkers for Predicting and Improving Immunotherapy Response in Lung Cancer,” runs through July 2031. It is led by Youping Deng, professor and director of JABSOM‘s Bioinformatics Core Facility, who also serves at the UH Cancer Center’s Biology Program and Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource.

By combining a predictive biomarker (a biological molecule that helps predict how a patient will respond to treatment) with a potential therapeutic approach, the project aims to help physicians select treatments more precisely while creating new options for patients whose tumors do not respond to existing immunotherapies.

While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)—a type of immunotherapy that blocks the proteins cancer cells use to hide from the immune system, allowing it to better recognize and attack them— have transformed non-small cell lung cancer treatment, resistance remains a hurdle, and current biomarkers are not always accurate in predicting patient response.

“Our team has discovered a new biomarker that may more effectively predict treatment response, as well as a promising therapeutic target that could help overcome ICI resistance,” Deng said. “This NIH R01 grant will allow us to validate these discoveries and move them closer to clinical application.”

The research team includes JABSOM‘s Shaoqiu Chen and Li Ma, and the UH Cancer Center’s Owen Chan and Xin Chen.

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Nearly 200 cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and supporters gathered at the on July 18 to explore how creative expression can support healing and well-being during the cancer journey.

The free “Healing Through Art” workshop, presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, featured presentations on the research behind art therapy followed by hands-on sessions in drawing, poetry, meditation with shakuhachi (Japanese flute) music, collage art and ti-leaf lei making.

The power of creative expression

Research has shown that art therapy and other creative approaches can help reduce anxiety, depression and emotional distress among people affected by cancer.

“The friendships and connections that blossomed among the people who attended, along with the skilled and caring artists sharing their gifts as tools for the cancer journey, were truly inspiring,” said Jami Fukui, faculty lead for the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community. “We want the UH Cancer Center to be a place of community, and I think healing was accomplished today.”

Among the presenters was artist and breast cancer survivor Leni Acosta Knight, who encouraged participants to express themselves freely through drawing. “To be able to have your mind be free of any stress or pain—just a reprieve from the chaos and overthinking things—I think is very helpful,” Knight said.

Participant Ann Sueno said trying collage art reminded her that creativity can be a powerful outlet. “This lets you just be yourself and lets you just be creative,” Sueno said. “Just being creative, I think that’s really rewarding.”

“Cancer care extends far beyond the clinic,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the UH Cancer Center. “Programs like ‘Healing Through Art’ create spaces where people can find comfort, express themselves and build resilience alongside others who understand their experiences.”

The event is part of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, a free quarterly program that empowers and supports people affected by cancer. The next workshop, “Let’s Move! The Importance of Physical Activity in the Cancer Journey,” is scheduled for October 17 at the UH Cancer Center. Registration details will be available soon.

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on recent leadership transitions in her report at the July 16 monthly meeting.

The updates included changes at �鶹��ý Community College, UH Mānoa and the VP of Academic Strategy. Hensel discussed next steps for the University Laboratory School partnership, the interim adoption of the Time, Place and Manner policy, and the modernization of student housing, and highlighted several bright spots across the UH campuses, including the demolition of Hale Noelani to make way for modern student housing, massive research milestones at the UH Cancer Center, and a $5-million investment in UH Athletics.

She also recognized UH recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service, including the Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Team of the Year.

• �鶹��ý CC chancellor transition ()
• UH Mānoa leadership and VP of Academic Strategy updates ()
• University Lab School agreement ()
• Time, Place and Manner policy update ()
• Hale Noelani demolition ()
• Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center and NIH funding ()
• NIL funding commitments for UH Athletics ()
• Governor’s Awards ()

The University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center launched the ���ʻō���� Early Phase Clinical Research Center on July 6, marking a new chapter in local cancer care as the state’s first facility dedicated to early-phase clinical trials.

More than 200 community leaders, partners and elected officials attended the grand opening ceremony in Kakaʻako.

The ���ʻō���� Early Phase Clinical Research Center will be a new source of hope for cancer patients in �鶹��ý and the Pacific.
—Naoto Ueno

“The opening of the ���ʻō���� Early Phase Clinical Research Center marks a major milestone for cancer care in �鶹��ý,” said UH Cancer Center Director Naoto Ueno. “For the first time in state history, qualifying cancer patients will have the opportunity to access promising investigational therapies here in �鶹��ý, without traveling thousands of miles to medical centers on the U.S. mainland.”

Ueno, a researcher, clinical trial leader and two-time cancer survivor, said keeping patients close to their families and communities is an important part of their care journey.

“These patients also will be making invaluable contributions to medical science, as early-phase clinical trials like these are how tomorrow’s standard cancer treatments are developed,” Ueno said. “The ���ʻō���� Early Phase Clinical Research Center will be a new source of hope for cancer patients in �鶹��ý and the Pacific.”

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in �鶹��ý, with nearly 76,000 residents living with cancer. A recent UH Cancer Center study found that �鶹��ý residents spent at least $230 million on out-of-state cancer care from 2021 to 2023, highlighting the need to expand advanced cancer care options in the islands.

Early-phase clinical trials, also known as Phase I and II trials, test new cancer treatments to evaluate safety, dosing and potential effectiveness. The trials follow strict safety protocols, with patients closely monitored by specially trained clinical research teams.

“This facility is a powerful reminder of what can happen when government, health care, industry, and the university work together to impact our community,” said UH President Wendy Hensel.

Expanding access to care

The ���ʻō���� Early Phase Clinical Research Center includes dedicated patient treatment areas, specialized clinical research space, a certified pharmacy and a team trained to conduct complex early-phase studies. A pilot Phase I clinical trial is already underway, with one patient enrolled, demonstrating the center’s readiness to support a growing portfolio of clinical trials.

The goal is to have 30 active early-phase clinical trials at ���ʻō���� EPCRC by 2031.

“By establishing the specialized clinical research infrastructure needed to conduct early-phase studies in �鶹��ý, the UH Cancer Center will provide opportunities for patients to participate in innovative Phase I and II clinical trials, while strengthening the state’s role in developing tomorrow’s cancer therapies,” Ueno said.

The 7,500-square-foot center was supported by $19.5 million in funding, including over $1 million from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. It is operated by University Health Partners in collaboration with members of the �鶹��ý Cancer Consortium and statewide health care partners.

“Our goal is not only to provide access to promising therapies to patients, but to ensure that discoveries and treatments are informed by the rich variety of �鶹��ý’s unique people, so that future cancer treatments work better for everyone in �鶹��ý, the Pacific and worldwide,” Ueno said.

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At least $230 million was spent on cancer care delivered outside �鶹��ý between 2021 and 2023, according to a led by researchers at the . Geographic isolation requires many �鶹��ý patients to seek advanced cancer therapeutics and clinical trials on the mainland.

Researchers analyzed de-identified commercial insurance claims from the �鶹��ý Medical Service Association (HMSA) for residents receiving cancer treatment. The data showed that patients with complex cancers, such as leukemia and brain tumors, were most likely to require out-of-state care, highlighting a need to expand local subspecialty capacity.

“Patients who must leave the islands for specialized cancer care bear enormous burdens: On top of medical bills, they may face travel expenses, time away from work, and the emotional challenge of receiving treatment far from home and the support of their loved ones. For some patients, the enormous cost of out-of-state treatment puts that care out of reach,” said Hideko Yamauchi, director of clinical affairs at the UH Cancer Center, and the principal investigator for the study.

Analyzing data on why patients seek treatment out-of-state helps the center identify gaps in local services, allowing them to expand specialized care and keep patients closer to their support networks.

‘Financial toxicity’ places strain on patients

The study found that out-of-state cancer care expenditures totaled approximately $58 million in 2021, rose to $94 million in 2022, and reached nearly $79 million in 2023. Total spending exceeded $230 million during the three-year period.

Patients who must leave the islands for specialized cancer care bear enormous burdens.
—Hideko Yamauchi

Breast cancer accounted for the largest total amount spent on out-of-state care at $59.5 million, due to its high prevalence, researchers said. It was followed by leukemia ($46.4 million), lymphoma ($21.5 million), prostate cancer ($14.9 million), and pulmonary cancer ($14 million).

However, leukemia exhibited the highest proportion of out-of-state spending for treatment, at 39%, followed by lymphoma (29%), central nervous system tumors (27%), multiple myeloma (21%) and breast cancer (21%).

The study analyzed direct medical costs paid via HMSA, excluding out-of-pocket expenses like travel, lodging, and lost income—factors that exacerbate “financial toxicity” for patients.

“A concern raised by these findings is that the patients we can see in the data are only the ones who successfully traveled,” Yamauchi said. “The patients we worry about are the ones we cannot see in this data—those who did not travel and faced barriers to accessing specialized care. Understanding that hidden burden is an important next step for research and policy.”

Expansion of �鶹��ý cancer care

Increased investment in high-demand specialty services, advanced diagnostics, and tele-oncology could reduce the need for travel.

“The UH Cancer Center deeply appreciates HMSA, a member of our , for collaborating on this crucial research. This study demonstrates why continuing to expand cancer care in �鶹��ý is so important,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the UH Cancer Center and study co-author.

Initiatives such as the ���‘ō���� Early Phase Clinical Research Center (opening July 6) and the Ka ʻUmeke Lama program are now expanding local access to Phase I trials.

Co-authors also included Deborah Taira, professor, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, UH Hilo; Mark M. Mugiishi, chief executive officer, HMSA; and Jeffrey Tom, clinical systems director for corporate strategy, HMSA.

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Researchers at the and UH ����ԴDz� (JABSOM) were awarded more than $12 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Pacific Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in Medicine (PAC-AID)—a new research center dedicated to accelerating biomedical discoveries through artificial intelligence and data science to benefit people in �鶹��ý and the Pacific region, and worldwide.

Funded through the NIH‘s (COBRE) program, the five-year award will provide approximately $12 million through February 2031. The award was administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, with a federal award date of June 4, 2026.

The center will be led by Principal Investigators John Shepherd and Youping Deng. Shepherd is chief scientific officer at the UH Cancer Center, and B.H. and Alice C. Beams Endowed Professor in Cancer Research at JABSOM. Deng is co-director, Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, at the UH Cancer Center; and professor and director, Bioinformatics Core Facility, at JABSOM.

PAC-AID will serve as a central hub integrating AI into biomedical research to improve health outcomes in �鶹��ý. Over five years, the project will renovate the UH Cancer Center Data Center to establish a new Medical AI Core (MedAI Core), providing advanced, high-performance computing resources and AI expertise. Physically located within both the UH Cancer Center and JABSOM on the shared Kakaʻako campus, PAC-AID will directly fund four major inaugural research projects and establish a Pilot Projects Program to support more than eight new, locally relevant pilot studies.

“At the heart of our mission as a flagship research university is the drive to translate innovation into meaningful impact,” said Vassilis Syrmos, incoming chancellor of UH ����ԴDz�. “PAC-AID is a vital expansion of that mission, enabling our faculty to harness the power of artificial intelligence to pioneer new avenues of biomedical inquiry that were previously unreachable, solidifying the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s role as a global leader in health innovation.”

“AI has the potential to unlock major medical breakthroughs and help people live healthier lives, and we need to take advantage of it,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who played a pivotal role in securing the grant. “This new funding will help �鶹��ý continue to attract top-tier talent and develop treatments and cures that will benefit people across the state.”

“The $12 million over five years will substantially strengthen AI and data science capabilities and support the development of the next generation of investigators,” said UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno. “The research advances made possible by PAC-AID will further the UH Cancer Center’s work toward new understandings and treatments for cancer, to save lives in �鶹��ý and the Pacific, and across the globe.” In addition, high paying jobs generated by this project will have a strong economic benefit for our local communities.

“At JABSOM, our mission is to improve the health of �鶹��ý through education and research,” said Sam Shomaker, JABSOM dean. “This investment will help accelerate discoveries that address the real health challenges facing our communities and ensure that advances in AI translate into better outcomes for patients.”

Enabling workforce development

Shepherd and Deng will oversee efforts to build research capacity, as well as foster the next generation of independent investigators using artificial intelligence and advanced data science approaches to address critical medical and public health challenges. Beyond funding research, this award establishes a workforce development mechanism to support the next generation of faculty investigators.

“This COBRE award provides the critical infrastructure to bridge advanced AI computational methods with our specific clinical and community health challenges,” Shepherd said. “By fostering a collaborative environment for our investigators, we are equipping them with the technical capabilities to tackle the most persistent health disparities in our islands and turn complex data into actionable health solutions.”

“By the end of this project, we expect to have a nationally competitive Medical AI Core, four independently funded research leaders, and more than 10 pilot projects,” said Deng. “Through these efforts, alongside workshops and collaborative research opportunities, we will significantly strengthen �鶹��ý‘s capacity for AI-enabled biomedical research and innovation to address important health challenges in our region and beyond.”

Transforming medical research with AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming healthcare and biomedical research by helping scientists analyze large and complex datasets, identify patterns that may otherwise go undetected, and accelerate the development of new approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

AI has the potential to unlock major medical breakthroughs and help people live healthier lives, and we need to take advantage of it.
—U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

Shepherd, who leads the , is using a massive breast imaging database to develop AI biomarkers that predict cancer risk specifically for Asian and Pacific Islander populations.

The new PAC-AID will support similar faculty-led research projects, provide funding for pilot studies, and establish shared research resources that can be used by investigators across disciplines.

Initial funded projects include AI-driven research by UH Cancer Center researchers Kevin Cassel (using full-body imaging to triage skin lesions) and Elizabeth Nakasone (studying pancreatic cancer in Native Hawaiian and Japanese populations); UH ����ԴDz� public health researcher Jonathan Huang (modeling environmental toxicant effects on fetal development); and JABSOM researcher Yiqiang Zhang (identifying genetic traits in congenital heart disease).

COBRE Phase 1 grants focus on the development of independent biomedical researchers and research centers, and are designed to have a 15-year cycle.

“PAC-AID is specifically designed to develop six to eight early-stage faculty members at the University of �鶹��ý and across Pacific Island institutions who will use artificial intelligence and data science to address cancer and chronic disease outcomes in one of the nation’s most medically underserved and understudied regions,” Shepherd said.

He added that the expected impact to �鶹��ý is substantial. “Our benchmark for success is that the funded faculty projects, four initially and two to four more when those graduate in year 3, and will later achieve independent NIH R01 (Research 01 level university) funding at an estimated $3.25 million per award. That represents a projected $19.5 million in additional federal research funding returned to the State of �鶹��ý (six funded R01s) on top of the initial $12 million COBRE award itself — a combined potential economic and research impact of more than $31 million for �鶹��ý‘s research and healthcare workforce. These estimates are for the first 5-year period.”

PAC-AID joins a growing portfolio of NIH-funded Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence at UH ����ԴDz�, including the , and the .

University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center researcher Michele Carbone has been named the recipient of the 2026 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research by the (NFCR). The prestigious award recognizes his discovery that inherited mutations in the BAP1 gene can dramatically increase susceptibility to mesothelioma and several other cancers.

The foundation said Carbone’s work changed how mesothelioma—a rare cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen—is understood, diagnosed, treated and prevented worldwide, while also driving major public health actions in the U.S. and Turkey that have saved lives.

“There is nothing as rewarding as saving lives, telling someone, actually you, your daughter, your son, do not have to die of cancer, you probably will live till old age, and then to see them again, year after year, happy,” Carbone said. “I am incredibly fortunate that my research allowed me to do exactly that. Our research even inspired government action to protect public health in the U.S. and in Turkey. I had the fortune to work with a truly fantastic team of students, technicians, post-doctoral fellows and collaborators: Drs. Harvey Pass and Haining Yang, with whom I shared all failures and successes for almost 30 years.”

Naoto T. Ueno said the recognition reflects the global impact of Carbone’s decades of work.

“Dr. Michele Carbone’s recognition with the Szent-Györgyi Prize is a proud and historic moment for the University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center,” said Ueno. “His work represents the highest standard of cancer research: rigorous science that leads to landmark discovery and ultimately saves lives. By identifying inherited BAP1 mutations as a driver of mesothelioma risk, Dr. Carbone changed how we understand cancer susceptibility, prevention, and early intervention. His discoveries have protected families and communities in �鶹��ý, the U.S., Turkey, and around the world, and they reflect the kind of global impact we strive to advance from �鶹��ý.”

Carbone will receive the award at the NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship on October 9 in Washington, D.C.

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Blood-based markers that could improve early, less invasive detection of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) have been identified by researchers at the . The discovery offers a potential new blood test to diagnose the disease sooner, monitor its progression and support the development of more targeted treatments for patients facing this fast-moving form of cancer.

The study, published in , was conducted in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Texas at Austin.

IBC is a highly aggressive type of breast cancer that has historically been difficult to distinguish from other forms because it does not show clear genetic differences.

New sequencing approach reveals blood signals

The research team used a specialized sequencing technology to analyze RNA, or genetic instructions, found in blood samples. Led by Naoto Ueno, director at the UH Cancer Center, Savitri Krishnamurthy, professor of anatomic pathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Alan Lambowitz, professor of oncology at the University of Texas at Austin, the team examined both tumor and blood samples to identify signals that may improve detection and monitoring of IBC.

Researchers said previous efforts to identify specific markers for IBC have been challenging because the disease closely resembles other cancers in standard tests. In this study, they used a sequencing method known as TGIRT, which is better at capturing complex and fragmented genetic material. The findings suggest that doctors may eventually be able to monitor the disease through simple blood tests rather than tissue biopsies. The markers could also help guide the development of new therapies tailored to this aggressive cancer.

Collaboration, persistence drive discovery

Ueno and associate researcher Xiaoping Wang of the UH Cancer Center initiated the collaboration that led to the discovery.

“The project began with simple curiosity and a lot of hard work,” said Ueno. “I first heard about this technology from a friend and was inspired by Dr. Lambowitz’s vision. At first, many people didn’t think we could find biological differences between this cancer and others just by looking at a blood sample.”

The project began with simple curiosity and a lot of hard work.
—Naoto Ueno.

Despite early skepticism from colleagues who questioned the project’s potential due to the rarity and aggressive nature of inflammatory breast cancer, Ueno and Wang continued their work. Their success underscores the importance of teamwork and persistence in advancing understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatments.

“Our discussions with Dr. Lambowitz’s team helped us better understand the findings and improve the experiments along the way,” Wang said. “Together with support from the clinical team at MD Anderson, these efforts ultimately led to the discovery of a promising blood biomarker that may help diagnose this aggressive and deadly disease.”

The research was funded by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, The Welch Foundation, the UT MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, and the State of Texas Rare and Aggressive Breast Cancer Research Program.

The University of �鶹��ý is reminding individuals who may have been impacted by the cybersecurity incident announced February 27 that deadlines are approaching to enroll in 12 months of free credit monitoring and $1 million in identity theft insurance. After these deadlines, enrollment codes will no longer work.

Deadlines

• May 31, 2026: Enrollment deadline for individuals who received Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) study notification letter codes
• June 20, 2026: Enrollment deadline for individuals who received email-based Experian enrollment codes
• May 31, 2026: Closure of the call center to assist all potentially affected individuals

Kroll Call Center: (844) 443-0842

Hours: Monday to Friday, 3:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. �鶹��ý Standard Time

Cybersecurity incident

The cybersecurity incident involved historical driver’s license and voter registration records (including social security numbers) used decades ago to recruit participants for epidemiological research studies. No information held by the UH Cancer Center’s clinical trials operations, patient care or other divisions of the center was impacted.

Potentially impacted individuals

The personal information affected by the incident was located in a subset of research files stored on certain servers that support the UH Cancer Center’s epidemiology research operations, including:

1. Two files containing names and date-of-births in combination with SSNs: the first, containing Driver’s License (DL) numbers, was collected in the year 2000 from the State Department of Transportation; the second, containing voter registration information, was collected in the year 1998 from the City & County of Honolulu. At that time, DL numbers in �鶹��ý were typically based on SSNs, and City and County of Honolulu voter registration information also often contained SSNs.
2. Files for study participants in the long-running Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study (recruitment for participants in �鶹��ý and Los Angeles, California from 1993 to 1996) and three other epidemiological studies of diet and cancer focusing on colorectal adenomas (recruitment for participants 1995–2007) and colon cancer (recruitment for participants 1994–2005), which also had SSNs and/or DL numbers in combination with names and date-of-births. They may also have contained questionnaires and other study information on participant health, as well as information pulled from national and state public health registries.
3. Two files that contain SSNs in combination with names collected from national and state public health registries as part of epidemiology research and study recruitment efforts. One file was closed to new names in 1999, and the other in the mid-2000s. The impacted files may also have contained research registry information about individuals’ health.

Letters were only mailed to MEC study participants. Other potentially affected individuals were sent email notices where valid email addresses were available. For the remaining individuals, notification was made through notices sent to major statewide media on February 27, 2026, and on the UH Cancer Center website.

If you believe you may have been impacted and did not receive an email or a letter, please call the Kroll Call Center: (844) 443-0842, Monday to Friday, 3:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. �鶹��ý Standard Time.

Individuals should also check the Spam folders in all of their email accounts. Notification emails were sent from notice@krollnotifications.com with the subject line “NOTICE OF DATA INCIDENT.” Official notification emails were sent between March 16, 2026 and March 20, 2026. Emails received outside of this date range should be considered phishing emails.

Individuals may also visit the to access support services and additional information.

Nearly 100 people gathered in person and online on April 18 at the for the free workshop, “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” learning how these studies work and how patients may benefit from new cancer treatments.

The event also marked the one-year anniversary of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, a patient-empowerment program that brings together patients, survivors, caregivers, and health care providers for education and support.

Attendees learned about the ���‘ō���� Early Phase Clinical Research Center, located at the UH Cancer Center in Kakaʻako. The new facility will allow �鶹��ý patients to access early phase, or Phase I, clinical trials locally for the first time, without traveling to the U.S. continent.

Panel discussions and presentations featured clinicians, researchers, survivors and caregivers sharing medical information and personal experiences with clinical trials.

Clinical trials expand access to new hope for patients

“Clinical trials are where research can turn into real hope for patients,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the �鶹��ýCancer Center. “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.”

Panelist Kimberly Omine, who is undergoing a clinical trial for blood cancer, said the experience has been life-changing. “If I didn’t go through clinical trials, I wouldn’t be here.”

�鶹��ýCancer Center officials noted that clinical trials provide closely monitored care and may offer access to treatments that improve outcomes while advancing future cancer research. The center administers nearly 90% of all cancer clinical trials in �鶹��ý, in partnership with member organizations of the �鶹��ý Cancer Consortium.

The workshop was produced by the , which continues to expand programming connecting the cancer community across �鶹��ý.

The University of �鶹��ý accounted for more than $61.2 million—92% of all federal biomedical research funding awarded in the state from the (NIH)—in fiscal year 2025.

�鶹��ý received $66.7 million overall in NIH funding, according to a new report from . The investment supported 902 jobs and generated $188.7 million in economic activity statewide.

NIH funding supports a wide range of research across UH, from improving disease detection and treatment to addressing health disparities and strengthening public health systems that serve island communities, reinforcing the university’s role in advancing health research and innovation in �鶹��ý.

had the largest share, with 72 awards totaling $60.7 million, while the received two awards totaling $468,391. While overall funding remained strong, NIH’s shift to multi-year funding—which obligates the full grant value upfront—resulted in 5,564 fewer grants being funded in FY2025 compared to FY2024.

“Even in a highly competitive and uncertain federal funding environment, University of �鶹��ý researchers continue to deliver work that improves lives here at home and beyond,” said Chad Walton, UH interim vice president for research and innovation. “These investments fuel discoveries, support high-quality jobs and strengthen our local economy. Every dollar makes a difference for our communities.”

Research highlights

Recent awards reflect the diversity of NIH-funded research at UH:

• $322,891 from the National Cancer Institute supports Shugeng Zhao Cao, professor at the at UH Hilo. The project, Discovery of novel natural TEAD inhibitors for the chemoprevention of liver tumors, explores natural compounds from Hawaiian microorganisms to develop the first preventive therapy for liver cancer.



• $2,039,744 from the National Human Genome Research Institute supports Lang Wu, associate professor at the at the UH Cancer Center. The research advances genomic tools and approaches to better understand complex diseases and support precision health applications. (Related UH News story)
• $459,287 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases supports Youping Deng, professor at the . The project, Hawaii Advanced Training in Artificial Intelligence for Precision Nutrition Science Research, strengthens training in the use of artificial intelligence for nutrition and metabolic health research. (Related UH News story)

A University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center study aimed at understanding mesothelioma (a rare, aggressive cancer) in people with inherited BAP1 gene mutations has received a $1-million, five-year All-Star Translational Award from the . The project is led by researchers Michele Carbone and Haining Yang, who previously identified the condition they named “BAP1 Cancer Syndrome.” Individuals born with these mutations may develop multiple cancer types over their lifetime, most commonly mesothelioma.

Related UH News story: UH Cancer Center identifies treatable form of mesothelioma

Their earlier research, which contributed to a National Cancer Institute surgical clinical trial studying families with the BAP1 mutation over more than 20 years, suggests that tumors arising in some mutation carriers are less invasive and less likely to spread into nearby tissues and organs.

The new project will build on these findings to examine why some BAP1-mutant patients survive longer and identify the biological mechanisms that limit tumor invasion and spread.

“Understanding why some tumors are less invasive opens new possibilities for identifying mechanisms that could guide new therapeutic strategies for mesothelioma,” Carbone said.

Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and community members are invited to the free workshop “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” hosted by the ’s Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community. The event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 9–11 a.m. at the Sullivan Conference Center.

Attendees will learn how trials work, hear from experts and patient panelists, and explore how participation shapes future care. The event will follow with light refreshments and a preview of the new ���ʻō���� Early Phase Clinical Research Center, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Participants can attend in-person and via Zoom. .

‘Where research turns into real hope’

“Clinical trials are where research turns into real hope,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the UH Cancer Center and a two-time cancer survivor. “They give patients access to promising therapies and new possibilities.”

Clinical trials allow patients to receive new treatments or new combinations of existing therapies, often before they are widely available, while being closely monitored by research teams.

Related UH News story: UH cancer support network champions patient advocacy

The UH Cancer Center administers nearly 90% of cancer clinical trials in �鶹��ý. Its new ���ʻō���� facility will expand access to early-phase trials locally.

The workshop also marks the one-year anniversary of the Cancer CARE Community and honors founder Susan Hirano, whose vision continues to support and empower those affected by cancer. Since launching, the Cancer CARE Community has connected hundreds statewide, continuing Hirano’s legacy of hope and support.

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The , in partnership with Google Cloud, will host a landmark full-day workshop on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, titled, “Accelerating Research in the Age of AI: A Synergistic Workshop with Google.” The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sullivan Conference Center, UH Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu.

Designed to reflect the UH‘s unique geographic and cultural context, the workshop will highlight how academic-industry partnerships can strengthen research capacity by expanding access to advanced AI tools, high-performance computing and specialized technical expertise. The program is open to UH faculty, investigators, trainees and students across biomedical, population, ocean, earth and computational sciences.

• .

“This workshop represents an exciting opportunity for UH researchers to engage directly with Google’s leading AI scientists and tools,” said John Shepherd, chief scientific officer at the UH Cancer Center, who is organizing the workshop. “We are committed to building the infrastructure and partnerships that will propel our research into the next generation of discovery.”

Workshop highlights

The agenda features a lineup of renowned speakers and interactive sessions, including:

• Keynote: “AI Co-Scientist System and Gemini-Based Research Tools,” presented by Charlie Elliot, lead of rapid innovation, Google Public Sector;
• Flash Talks: Great Challenges Across Disciplines—featuring Peter Sadowski (associate professor, Department of Information and Computer Sciences, UH ����ԴDz�), István Szapudi (theoretical cosmologist, Institute for Astronomy, UH), and Justin Stopa (associate professor, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, UH ����ԴDz�);
• Deep Dive Sessions covering your “Modern Research Toolkit” (Francisco Gonzalez, application modernization specialist architect, Google Public Sector) and “Federated Learning for Global Collaboration” (Tom Denton, research scientist, Google DeepMind/Google Research);
• Student Poster Competition, with Google-sponsored awards for the best presentations, judged during the Google-sponsored lunch break;
• Co-Designing Breakouts in which participants brainstorm high-impact solutions in three focus areas: AI for hypothesis generation, Google’s cloud tools and federated learning.

The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion and vision synthesis identifying a roadmap for future UH-Google collaboration, along with the announcement of poster competition award winners.

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The genesis of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community began not in Kakaʻako, but during a visit to a breast cancer specialist in Texas. There, Susan and Peter Hirano first heard about Naoto Ueno, who would soon become director of the University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center.

After Ueno relocated to �鶹��ý, the Hiranos connected with him, and Susan shared her vision: a supportive space where cancer patients, families and caregivers could access information, education and emotional support.

Read more UH Giving Day stories

Diagnosed with stage-four metastatic breast cancer in October 2021, Susan immersed herself in research, exploring clinical trials and consulting with specialists at leading institutions.

“She had an intense and fierce determination to live,” Peter said. “So, in addition to researching the science of the disease, she explored other ways to supplement her medical treatments, from reiki massages and naturopathic treatments to acupuncture, meditation and diet.”

Empowering patients, building community

Susan brought that same determination to her medical appointments, encouraging patients to actively participate in their care. That philosophy became the foundation of the Cancer CARE Community—CARE representing Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-Being.

Her vision became reality on April 5, 2025, when the UH Cancer Center launched the program.

“I remember that she wasn’t feeling very well that morning,” Peter recalled. “But she told me, ‘Just get me there, and the people will lift me up.’”

During the inaugural workshop, Susan spoke for 25 minutes, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and asking questions. The event culminated in an emotional surprise: the program was officially named in her honor.

“She was blown away,” Peter said. “She had no idea that the team was going to name the program the ‘Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community.’ I am so proud of the legacy she has built.”

Less than two weeks later, on April 18, 2025, Susan passed away peacefully at home.

Sustaining the legacy on Giving Day

Today, the program continues her legacy, offering quarterly workshops that provide holistic support for patients, survivors and caregivers. More than 550 people have attended events so far, with many returning regularly.

“The event was ‘empowering’ to learn about the true value of empowerment––how to find peace with our situation, our thoughts and our choice,” commented one attendee in an evaluation survey.

More �鶹��ýNews stories about Susan C. Hirano and her legacy

Community support is vital to help the CARE Community reach more cancer patients, families and caregivers across �鶹��ý.

As the community comes together for UH Giving Day, Peter wants potential donors to know that their contributions aren’t just abstract numbers.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps ensure the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community can continue providing trusted resources, connection and support for those facing cancer across �鶹��ý—just as Susan envisioned.

about the Cancer CARE Community, make a gift and explore other Giving Day opportunities.

The University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center’s Epidemiology Division was the victim of a cyberattack that possibly exposed records containing Social Security numbers (SSNs) and driver’s license (DL) numbers, mostly from �鶹��ý DL records collected in 2000 from the State Department of Transportation (when identifiers were usually SSNs) and City and County of Honolulu voter registration records collected in 1998 (also when identifiers were usually SSNs).

The �鶹��ý DL and Honolulu voter registration records were primarily used to recruit research study participants, principally for the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study. The MEC Study was established in 1993 and recruited more than 215,000 men and women, aged 45 to 75 years, between 1993 and 1996 from five main ethnic/racial groups who were residents of �鶹��ý and Los Angeles, California. Some of the exposed files also included research data with health-related information on study participants and certain other individuals.

The MEC Study participants potentially impacted a total 87,493 individuals. Additional individuals whose personal information may have been included in the historical driver’s license and voter registration records with SSN identifiers number approximately 1.15 million.

There was no impact to information held by the UH Cancer Center’s Clinical Trials operations, patient care, or any other divisions of the UH Cancer Center. There was no impact to UH student records.

“The UH Cancer Center deeply regrets that this incident occurred and that so many individuals have been impacted,” said Naoto T. Ueno, director of the UH Cancer Center. “We take this matter extremely seriously and are committed to transparency, accountability and strengthening protections for the research data entrusted to us.”

What happened and data involved

During the cyberattack, an unauthorized third party encrypted and potentially exfiltrated data containing personal information. The university notified law enforcement and worked with third-party cybersecurity experts to obtain a decryption tool, and secure an affirmation that any information obtained was destroyed. To date, there is no evidence that any of the information has been published, shared or misused.

The personal information affected by the incident was located in a subset of research files stored on certain servers that support the UH Cancer Center’s epidemiology research operations, including:

1. Two files containing names and date-of-births in combination with SSNs: the first, containing DL numbers, was collected in the year 2000 from the State Department of Transportation; the second, containing voter registration information, was collected in the year 1998 from the City & County of Honolulu. At that time, DL numbers in �鶹��ý were typically based on SSNs, and City and County of Honolulu voter registration information also often contained SSNs.
2. Files for study participants in the long-running Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study (recruitment for participants in �鶹��ý and Los Angeles, California from 1993 to 1996) and three other epidemiological studies of diet and cancer focusing on colorectal adenomas (recruitment for participants 1995–2007) and colon cancer (recruitment for participants 1994–2005), which also had SSNs and/or DL numbers in combination with names and date-of-births. They may also have contained questionnaires and other study information on participant health, as well as information pulled from national and state public health registries.
3. Two files that contain SSNs in combination with names collected from national and state public health registries as part of epidemiology research and study recruitment efforts. One file was closed to new names in 1999, and the other in the mid-2000s. The impacted files may also have contained research registry information about individuals’ health.

Investigations are still ongoing to assess other sensitive information that may have been impacted. �鶹��ýis confident that any other personal information (SSNs or drivers’ license numbers in combination with names) found will be nominal and, where possible, those individuals will
receive separate notice.

Investigations are still ongoing to assess other sensitive information that may have been impacted.

Assistance for potentially affected individuals

Notification letters offering credit monitoring and identity protection services were mailed on February 23 to 87,493 MEC Study participants, the first group of potentially affected individuals identified. The university is now providing notice to all others potentially impacted via email (approximately 900,000 email addresses were located, but only 757,588 have been validated) and this public announcement and a .

(UPDATE: March 20 If you believe you may have been impacted and did not receive an email, please check the Spam folder in all of your email accounts. The email should be from Kroll (notice@krollnotifications.com) with the subject line “NOTICE OF DATA INCIDENT.”)

To assist those who may have been impacted, UH has established dedicated call centers where individuals can:

• Verify whether their information may have been involved
• Enroll in 12 months of free credit monitoring and $1 million in identity theft insurance

Call centers have been established for both groups and will open Monday, March 2:

• Call Center: (844) 443-0842
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time (excluding holidays)
  • March 2–6, 2026, 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., �鶹��ý Standard Time
  • Starting March 9 (due to daylight savings time), 3:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. �鶹��ý Standard Time

For additional details and enrollment information, the .

Official updates will be posted at the , , and . Please disregard any other websites, social media or messages claiming to represent UH that request personal information.

Security improvements and investigations

The UH Cancer Center has implemented extensive cybersecurity and governance enhancements including: redesigning and hardening network, extending the deployment of modern endpoint protection with 24/7 monitoring, upgrading hardware, migrating sensitive research servers into the UH Information Technology Services data center, implementing stricter access controls for sensitive data and enforcing cybersecurity training for Cancer Center staff. In addition, internal reviews are ongoing and independent third parties have been engaged to investigate the cyberattack and assess and validate the security controls for the entire UH Cancer Center.

To increase information security oversight and awareness across the entire system,
UH has taken the following actions:

• Created a new Information Security Governance Council for Research responsible to coordinate research‑related cybersecurity.
• Established a new Information Security Task Force responsible for updating policies, strengthening cyber roles and responsibilities, and recommending enterprise‑level controls and investments.

“This cyberattack requires a comprehensive, systemwide response. I have initiated a full review of information technology systems across all 10 campuses to ensure we are strengthening protections wherever needed,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “We will take a holistic approach, identify areas requiring additional investment, and move forward with those improvements. Safeguarding the data entrusted to us is essential to our mission and our responsibility to the people of �鶹��ý.”

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� is part of a new $3.5 million multi-state project to improve cervical cancer screening and follow-up at primary care clinics in �鶹��ý, Florida and Massachusetts. The �鶹��ý portion, led by Holly Fontenot, associate dean for research and professor at the and faculty member of the , is supported by a major five–year, R01 award from the National Institutes of Health.

The project, Development of Systems and Education for Cervical Cancer Prevention (DOSE–CC), will adapt, validate and test interventions designed to boost cervical cancer prevention and follow-up care across diverse populations.

Fontenot brings experience from her prior work in women’s health and HPV-associated cancer prevention, and is one of four multiple principal investigators collaborating with Boston Medical Center, Tufts University and the Moffitt Cancer Center. The �鶹��ý research team also includes Komal Soin and Patty Tran from the .

“This award reflects the strength of our ongoing research partnerships and the importance of multidisciplinary teams working together to develop effective, sustainable and impactful multi-level interventions that help to transform the current paradigm in cancer screening and follow-up,” Fontenot said.

The project builds on previous studies, including Cervical Cancer: Provider Response and Options of Guidelines Related to Screening Strategies (CC PROGRESS), funded by the American Cancer Society, and DOSE–HPV, which successfully increased HPV vaccination rates.

By combining clinical research with community engagement, the project seeks to develop sustainable, effective interventions that can be scaled nationally — including across the U.S. Work on DOSE–CC is already underway and is expected to be completed by 2030.

�鶹��ý Gov. Josh Green emphasized that cancer research and medical science are not only matters of public health, but also essential to national and global security, during a roundtable discussion at the ’s 17th Annual on January 23.

The three-day international symposium, held January 21–23, at the UH Cancer Center in Kakaʻako, brought together leading researchers and clinicians from around the world to share cutting-edge discoveries in cancer genetics and environmental carcinogenesis — the interaction between genetic and environmental factors that influence cancer risk and treatment outcomes.

Cuts, costs, commitment

Speaking before nearly 100 attendees including international and U.S. cancer researchers, UH faculty, students and community members, Green addressed concerns about the future of medical research amid rising costs and federal funding cuts. The discussion was moderated by Michele Carbone, co-founder of the Weinman Symposium and director of thoracic oncology at the UH Cancer Center.

Cancer does not know a red state or a blue state.
—Gov. Josh Green

“The challenges are many, but there’s no question that states can help,” said Green. He pointed to a plan to provide an additional $7.5 million to the UH Cancer Center to help sustain research momentum during a difficult fiscal period.

Green warned that reductions in federal research funding threaten the nation’s ability to respond to future health crises and stressed that science should transcend politics.

“Cancer does not know a red state or a blue state,” he said. “It doesn’t know ideology. This is something we should commit ourselves to for humanity.”

He also tied biomedical research directly to global security, citing emerging technologies such as RNA-based research and vaccines. “If we don’t fund important research and someone else does—and they control that scientific discipline—we’re not just at a disadvantage during outbreaks,” Green said. “It’s unsafe to have monolithic control of major technologies.”

UH Cancer Center Director Naoto Ueno expressed appreciation for the governor’s support. “His vision, making sure that there is long-term cancer research, really makes a big difference,” Ueno said. “There are 70,000 people in �鶹��ý with cancer. The only way to cure cancer for future generations is to advance research.”

Green also presented the 2026 Weinman Award to Antoni Ribas of UCLA, a leader in cancer immunotherapy research.

Read more at the .

Cancer patients traveling off-island for treatment. Kūpuna waiting months to see a neurologist. Rural communities struggling to access behavioral health and addiction services. These challenging realities are driving the University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents request for $3,724,600 to expand �鶹��ý’s healthcare workforce and improve access to care across the islands.

The funding would support UH’s new Health Science and Healthcare Interdisciplinary Workforce Initiative, a coordinated hire request that would add 18.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinician and faculty positions across five health sciences units to address severe shortages in high-need medical fields, including cancer, neurology and dementia, and behavioral health integration and addiction medicine.

“UH has a kuleana to the people and ʻāina of �鶹��ý, and that responsibility drives us to focus on solutions that make a real difference in our communities,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “By strengthening our healthcare workforce, we can train more providers and expand access to care for kupuna and families across all islands.”

Expanding the healthcare pipeline, patient care

The coordinated hire would add clinician faculty who both train future healthcare providers and deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved communities across the state.

“The goal is to improve access to care across all islands by providing direct clinical services and addressing shortages in underserved communities,” said UH ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “This coordinated request for positions will increase the workforce pipeline by training more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other health providers essential to providing high quality care for patients with dementia, addictions, or other behavioral health challenges.”

Addressing high-priority health needs

The initiative spans five UH units—UH ����ԴDz�’s , the , the , the , and the UH Hilo —and focuses on clinician leaders and researchers working with state and health system partners through community-based, interprofessional approaches aligned with legislative priorities.

Funding would be directed toward three high-priority health areas identified as critical needs for the state:

• Cancer ($1,674,400; 6.35 FTE): Establishing an accredited hematology-oncology fellowship and expanding clinical research capacity.
• Neurology and Dementia ($1,162,200; 7.40 FTE): Creating an accredited neurology residency program and expanding the Kūpuna Workforce Innovation Hub.
• Behavioral Health Integration and Addiction Medicine ($888,000; 4.75 FTE): Expanding the Education and Research Center of Addiction Medicine and enhancing telehealth services.
• Beyond direct patient care, the initiative would support statewide continuing education in dementia care and behavioral health–primary care integration, consistent with �鶹��ý State Department of Health and legislative priorities.

Targeted request in a tight budget climate

The initiative is one of two high-priority items in UH’s $18.8 million supplemental operating budget request () for fiscal year 2026–27, introduced amid slowing state revenue growth.

“We purposefully limited the request to major strategic items that are time-sensitive and provide essential benefits to both the state and the university,” said UH Vice President for Budget and Finance Luis Salaveria. “Given the current fiscal climate, this approach allows UH to focus its resources on areas where the need is greatest, and the impact on �鶹��ý’s communities will be most immediate.”

Caring for a loved one with cancer can be isolating, but more than 100 people found support, education and connection at “Caring for Caregivers,” a free interactive workshop held January 17, at the University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center in Kakaʻako.

Presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, the quarterly workshop brought together in-person and online participants to learn about caregiver research, practice journaling for emotional processing, and take part in facilitated breakout discussions for caregivers and for patients, survivors and thrivers.

“Caregiving can feel very lonely. But the message we want to convey to all caregivers is: You’re not alone,” said Peter Hirano, whose late wife, Susan Hirano, was a patient advocate and founder of the Cancer CARE Community. He shared personal reflections from his wife’s cancer journey and emphasized the importance of self-care and connection.

‘Acknowledge, uplift, educate and empower’

In �鶹��ý, more than 70,000 people are living with cancer, and about one in four adults are family caregivers. Hirano said the event was designed to “acknowledge, uplift, educate and empower caregivers, who often are among the unsung heroes of the cancer journey.”

Featured speakers included Kevin Cassel, associate director for community outreach and engagement at the UH Cancer Center, who highlighted current caregiver research and practical resources for patients and families. Faryal Michaud, a palliative care physician and certified life and wellness coach, led participants through a journaling exercise focused on reframing anxious or overwhelming thoughts.

“It is important to connect with other people in your environment and your community, to talk and hold space for each other,” Michaud said. “Your experience as a caregiver is legitimate and important as well.”

The next free workshop, “How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” will be held April 18. More information is available at the