UH Cancer Center receives renewal of National Cancer Institute designation

The center remains the only NCI-designated research facility in the Pacific

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
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Posted: Jun 29, 2012

HONOLULU – After a competitive renewal process, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) awarded the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center another five years of recognition and funding. The NCI designation means that the Cancer Center, a unit of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, will continue to be recognized among the nation’s best cancer centers characterized by scientific excellence and the capacity to integrate a range of scientific approaches to focus on the problem of cancer.
 
"This recognition and the funding that comes with the NCI designation is extremely significant for the university as well as the state of Hawai‘i," said University of Hawai‘i President M.R.C. Greenwood. "Not only will the UH Cancer Center be able to continue its efforts to advance the understanding of cancers that are prevalent in our island population and explore potential new cures found in our unique environment, but this also marks a critical step forward in the university's efforts to build on our research strengths and develop an innovation economy for our state. We are extremely pleased to celebrate this recognition with our partners who are helping us achieve our goal of improving the health and well-being of the people of Hawai‘i."
 
The UH Cancer Center is one of only 66 research organizations in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute. This affiliation requires stringent and constant evaluation, yet brings the distinction of being recognized among the best cancer research institutions in the world. This recognition will ensure that the center will continue delivering cutting-edge treatments for cancer patients and conducting groundbreaking research to develop more advanced treatments.
 
"This highly positive outcome reflects the efforts of so many partners working together to ensure the health and well-being of the people of Hawai‘i and the Pacific,” said University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw. “Mahalo nui loa to our committed UH members, supportive state and federal legislators, accomplished clinical providers, generous donors, dedicated community volunteers and our impressive hospital partners of the Hawaii Cancer Consortium.”
 
“The recognition and approval by the NCI is a great honor and a reflection of the hard work and dedication by our faculty and staff as well as the tremendous support of President M.R.C. Greenwood, Chancellor Virgina Hinshaw, the legislature, and our partner hospitals,” said Michele Carbone, MD, PhD and director of the UH Cancer Center. “Remaining an NCI-designated Cancer Center will allow us to continue to discover and develop new therapies that will lead to our goal of creating a world where cancer no longer exists.”
 
The UH Cancer Center received NCI designation in 1996 and continues to be the only NCI-designated research facility throughout Hawai‘i and the Pacific Rim. The center’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through research, education, and outreach, with an emphasis on the unique ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. The NCI designation will benefit patients through increased access to clinical trials and new therapeutic technologies available in collaboration with the UH Cancer Center’s clinical partners, which include The Queen’s Medical Center, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, Kuakini Medical Center and UH Mānoa's John A. Burns School of Medicine. These organizations form the Hawai‘i Cancer Consortium, an alliance of the state’s leading healthcare organizations united with the common goal of eliminating cancer through science.
 
"The Queen's Medical Center congratulates Dr. Michele Carbone and the faculty and staff of the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center,” said Art Ushijima, president of The Queen’s Medical Center. “A Consortium Cancer Center is a wonderful step forward for the people of Hawai‘i and for all member institutions. We look forward to working together in the coming years to building a cancer center that we can all be proud of."
 
ABOUT THE UH CANCER CENTER
The University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center is one of 66 research institutions designated by the National Cancer Institute. A unit of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, the center is dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education and improved patient care. Construction is under way on a new state-of-the-art research center, opening in 2013 to better serve the people of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. Learn more about the center’s work at www.uhcancercenter.org.