UH Cancer Clinical Research Center to hold official opening

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – An official private opening ceremony for Hawaii’s first early-phase cancer research center will be held on Monday.

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The Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center (EPCRC), located within the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, will make it possible for local patients to receive cutting-edge Phase I and Phase II clinical trial treatments without traveling to the mainland.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Hawaii, affecting nearly 76,000 residents.

A new UH Cancer Center study found that Hawaii residents spent at least $230 million on out-of-state cancer care from 2021 through 2023.

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“The opening of the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center will be a transformational moment for cancer 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.”

Monday’s ceremony will bring together over 200 people, amongst whom are elected officials, health care leaders, researchers, and donors.

Events will include a Hawaiian blessing, hula by a halau of cancer survivors, and a ceremonial lei untying.

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