Hawaii's First Early-Phase Cancer Clinical Research Center Opens at UH Cancer Center
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The Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, Hawaii's first early-phase cancer (search) research facility, held its official opening at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center (search).
The center will enable local patients to access cutting-edge Phase I and Phase II clinical trial treatments without traveling to the U.S. mainland.
Cancer (search) is the second leading cause of death in Hawaii, affecting nearly 76,000 residents, with out-of-state cancer care costs exceeding $230 million from 2021 through 2023.
Hawaii's first early-phase cancer (search) clinical research center has officially opened its doors, marking a pivotal advancement in the state's oncology care infrastructure. The Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center (EPCRC), housed within the University of Hawaii Cancer Center (search), held a private opening ceremony on Monday, drawing over 200 attendees including elected officials, healthcare leaders, researchers, and donors.
The center's launch addresses a critical gap in Hawaii's healthcare landscape. Cancer (search) stands as the second leading cause of death in the state, affecting nearly 76,000 residents. A recent study conducted by the UH Cancer Center revealed that Hawaii residents spent at least $230 million on out-of-state cancer care between 2021 and 2023, underscoring the financial and logistical burden placed on patients who previously had no local access to early-phase clinical trials.
"The opening of the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center will be a transformational moment for cancer (search) care in Hawaii," said Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, Director of the UH Cancer Center. "This launch represents years of collaboration, and a shared commitment to bringing more treatment options closer to home for our local patients."
The EPCRC will provide Hawaii residents with access to Phase I and Phase II clinical trial treatments, eliminating the need for patients to travel to the mainland United States for cutting-edge investigational therapies. This capability represents a significant expansion of the state's clinical research capacity and positions the UH Cancer (search) Center as a more comprehensive hub for oncology research and care.
The opening ceremony incorporated Hawaiian cultural traditions, including a Hawaiian blessing, a hula performance by a hālau composed of cancer (search) survivors, and a ceremonial lei untying, reflecting the center's integration within the local community and its commitment to serving Hawaii's diverse patient population.