The University of Hawai'i Cancer Center has been awarded a $6 million Cancer Center Support Grant to fund research at the Center. The renewal of its National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation recognizes the Center's unique contributions to cancer research and care in Hawaii, particularly for diverse ethnic populations.
A University of Hawaii Cancer Center researcher has identified a mechanism that drives cancer cells to move during metastasis. The study defines a signaling hub required for cancer cell movement, which may provide new therapeutic opportunities for brain tumors and other cancers.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii aim to develop strategies to prevent Zika virus transmission to the fetus and treat patients infected with the virus. Dr. Mukesh Kumar will work on understanding how the virus is transmitted and developed effective therapeutics.
The University of Hawaii has received a nearly $6.3 million grant to develop a heat-stable, trivalent Ebola vaccine that can protect against three related viruses in the same family. The vaccine, developed by Axel Lehrer, PhD, has the potential to speed up protection for health workers and others during outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center identified a protein called RSK2 as a driver of tumor cell invasion in glioblastoma. Inhibiting RSK2 stops the invasion and enhances chemotherapy effectiveness, offering new hope for patients with this aggressive brain cancer.
A novel therapeutic target and treatment strategy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been discovered, using a small molecule drug to block fructose utilization. This approach shows dramatic therapeutic benefit for AML treatment, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers identified genetic markers associated with a fast rate of nicotine metabolism in smokers, leading them to smoke more cigarettes to maintain stable nicotine levels. This finding could identify smokers at greater risk for lung cancer, enabling doctors and public health leaders to improve prevention strategies.
Researchers developed an algorithm called JAMMIT that uses advanced mathematics to identify patterns across multiple molecular data types. The algorithm can accurately predict which patients would benefit most from chemotherapy and combining it with immunotherapy, leading to improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that members of four unrelated US families shared an identical BAP1 gene mutation, which increases cancer risk. The researchers traced the ancestral connection back to a couple who immigrated from Germany in the early 1700s.
A panel of markers has been discovered that can identify pre-diabetes by measuring fatty acids in blood, allowing for early warning and lifestyle change. The levels of these fatty acids can change up to 10 years before diagnosis, making it a potential tool for predicting the risk of developing pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
The University of Hawai'i Cancer Center has been awarded a five-year $5.5 million grant to support research on cervical cancer, oral cancer, and other cancers affecting Pacific Islanders in the region. The partnership aims to reduce the disproportionate cancer burden in Pacific Island populations.
A new metal-based compound, Compound 5, has been developed to destroy kidney cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The compound, which incorporates both titanium and gold, has shown excellent promise in pre-clinical models, outperforming the FDA-approved drug Cisplatin.
A University of Hawai'i Cancer Center researcher has received a $2.70 million grant to study how gut bacteria can damage the liver and promote liver cancer. The study aims to design new approaches to preventing liver cancer by regulating bile acid metabolism.
Researchers at University of Hawai'i Cancer Center discover two compounds that effectively stop the growth of brain cancer cells and breast tumors. These targeted treatments are less toxic and could improve quality of life for patients with no effective treatment options besides surgery.
Researchers at the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center found that aspirin can inhibit the growth of mesothelioma by blocking HMGB1. This could lead to improved survival rates for patients with this aggressive cancer, which kills around 3,200 people annually.
Researchers found higher proportions of women and young adults dying of mesothelioma in two counties encompassing Las Vegas, suggesting naturally occurring mineral fibers are a contributing source. The study highlights the need for more research to reduce exposure.
Dr. Felix Ikuomola, a PhD candidate, is searching for natural products from Hawaii's oceans that can block sepsis by inhibiting endothelial cell permeability. His work aims to provide treatment options for the leading cause of death in the US and a major complication of cancer.
A study by the University of Hawaii Cancer Center found nearly 30% of Hawaiian teens had tried e-cigarettes, with 17% using them only. The rate is three times higher than previously reported US studies. E-cigarette manufacturers' aggressive marketing and wide availability may contribute to this trend.
The University of Hawai`i Cancer Center has received a $3.5 million NCORP grant to improve cancer care and prevention among minority and underserved populations in Hawaii. The grant will fund clinical trials and research aimed at reducing cancer disparities and enhancing patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center discovered that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of invasive bladder cancer in women. The study found significant associations between increased intake of yellow-orange vegetables and lower bladder cancer risk among female participants.
Researchers found that approximately 13% of smokers used e-cigarettes as a means of quitting, with younger smokers more likely to use them. E-cigarette users were also found to be more motivated to quit smoking compared to those who tried other cessation aids.
Researchers at UH Cancer Center identify RSK2 protein as key player in cancer cell migration and metastasis. The discovery may lead to selective treatments targeting specific tumor types, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center have identified a germline BAP1 mutation as the cause of a novel cancer syndrome characterized by malignant mesothelioma and various types of melanomas. This discovery provides a visual marker for identifying individuals at high risk, enabling early detection and treatment.
Researchers created a new anti-cancer drug named BP-1-102 that targets the Stat3 protein, which triggers cancer development in various types. The drug remains effective even when administered orally, unlike most current treatments requiring intravenous injection.
A new study from the University of Hawaii Cancer Center found that PEA-15 protein enhances tumor formation in kidney cells carrying a mutation in the cancer-promoting gene H-Ras. The discovery suggests caution in pursuing PEA-15 as an anti-cancer therapeutic, highlighting its dual role in cancer growth and suppression.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and The Queen's Medical Center will analyze gene expression and imaging data to detect liver cancer earlier. They aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths from this deadly disease.
A new study reveals that roads in North Dakota contain high levels of the cancer-causing mineral erionite, which can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. The research team found that airborne concentrations of erionite in North Dakota were comparable to those found in Turkish villages with high mesothelioma rates.
The UH Cancer Center has received a significant gift to accelerate mesothelioma research, with scientists working on developing new therapies to prevent and treat the disease. Recent breakthroughs have shed light on potential causes, including exposure to erionite particles found in airborne asbestos.