A sprinkling of rain Monday morning in Honolulu added to the blessing and official opening of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center (EPCRC) — the state’s first dedicated center for early phase cancer clinical trials.
Plans for the Hoʻōla EPCRC, which means “to heal or give live” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, were first announced in September 2019 after it received millions in federal funding to help expand access to innovative cancer treatments for Hawaiʻi patients who would otherwise have to travel to the Mainland to receive specialized care. Also funded by the state, donors and philanthropic organizations such as The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the project cost for construction and equipment totaled approximately $19.5 million, according to UH Cancer Center Director Dr. Naoto Ueno.
“This is truly a historical day,” said Ueno, who is also a two-time cancer survivor, in his opening remarks during Monday’s ceremonial lei untying before an audience of state lawmakers and health care leaders, community partners and more.
“More than 10 years ago, I myself participated in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The trial gave me hope and it’s the reason I’m standing. … Today, we make a major step for bringing the same hope to more patients here in Hawaiʻi. [It] marks a new chapter for cancer care in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific.”
He added: “Research shows we have spent $230 million from 2021 through 2023 on outside-of-the-state cancer care. We know that many people cannot simply make that journey because of the time commitment and financial impact. … But that’s about to change [so that] more patients can participate in clinical trials closer to home, closer to their communities and closer to the ʻāina that gives strength.”
Now that the infrastructure is built and some pilot testing has been completed, Ueno told Aloha State Daily that they can attract more pharmaceutical companies, while building credibility. (Note: A clinical trial is a research study patients volunteer to take part in. Most new ways of finding, preventing and treating cancer were discovered in clinical trials.)
He expects the first patient will be seen within the next month or so. The vision five years from now, Ueno says, is that the Hoʻōla EPCRC will support at least 30 different clinical trials at one time.
“Our geographic location is both negative and positive for that,” he explained. “Yes, we are geographically isolated from the rest of the country but one positive is the unique demographics of our patient population.”
Providing patients across the Islands with access “to safe, compassionate, high-quality cancer care” is the overall goal, which will also help shape cancer care models for future generations, he notes.
Tyler Workman is the interim clinical director at Hoʻōla EPCRC responsible for the the day-to-day operations of the clinic, including managing a staff of about eight employees, and getting all the equipment and supplies ready.
“Iʻm currently working on researcher and nursing workflows, setting up the clinical lab and infusion stations,” he told ASD, adding that he anticipates the team will grow as they secure more trials and treat more patients. Employment opportunities can be found here.
Remarks at the opening ceremony were also given by Sen. Mazie Hirono, a kidney cancer survivor; UH President Wendy Hensel; Dr. Jack Lewin, Administrator of the Hawaiʻi State Health Planning and Development Agency; Jason Chang, president and CEO of the The Queenʻs Health Systems and member of the The Hawaiʻi Cancer Consortium; and Dr. Leslie Chun, CEO of the Hawaiʻi Pacific Health Medical Group and member of the The Hawaiʻi Cancer Consortium.
"Today, we are not just opening doors to a new facility. Weʻre opening the doors to innovation, access and hope," Chun stated.
Peter Hirano closed with final remarks reflecting on the life and legacy of his late wife Susan Hirano, who was a patient advocate with Stage 4 breast cancer at the UH Cancer Center.
“I've been told by several team members at the cancer center that Sue consistently reminded the team here that their work isnʻt just about research. Itʻs about the patient. Itʻs about the person that the research can ultimately help and itʻs about creating hope for patients and their families.”
She also established the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community (Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-Being), which offers free quarterly events for the public, particularly those touched by cancer. The next event, “Healing Through Art,” is set for Saturday, July 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the cancer center. Register here by July 11.
Peter Hirano shared how he found a sticky note on her desk shortly after her death that read: “Legacy is not what you leave behind. It's what you awaken within others.”
“The center is going to leave a legacy. It will awaken a sense of hope for many in this community."
For more information about the UH Cancer Center's Ho‘ola EPCRC, click here, call 808-586-2979 or email ctoadmin@cc.hawaii.edu. Learn about the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center at UHCancerCenter.org.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
