Workshop ‘How Clinical Trials Save Lives’ emphasizes benefits to patient care, research

Cancer patients, survivors, thrivers, caregivers, families and community members interested in learning how clinical trials are advancing cancer care in Hawaiʻi and worldwide — and how patients could benefit from participating — are invited to attend a free upcoming workshop.

“How Clinical Trials Save Lives,” a free workshop presented by Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE (community, awareness, research, emotional well-being) Community at University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center.

“How Clinical Trials Save Lives” is presented by Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE (community, awareness, research, emotional well-being) Community at University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center.

It is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center’s Sullivan Conference Center, located at 701 Ilalo St., in Honolulu.

The workshop will be followed at 11 a.m. to noon with light refreshments and a video preview of the groundbreaking new Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center.

Attendees will:

• Learn about clinical research, why participation matters and how they can influence future studies.
• View “Clinical Trials 101” by University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center associate researcher and The Queen’s Medical Center Cancer Center Medical Oncologist and Director of Research Dr. Jared Acoba.
• View “Empowerment in Participating in Clinical Trials” by University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center associate researcher in translational and clinical research Christa Braun-Inglis, who also is an advanced practice provider.
• Hear personal stories from a panel of patients and caregivers — cancer survivors Barbara Carlos and Kimberly Omine and caregivers Dana Senaha and Scott Meehan.

In-person and Zoom options are available to attend. Those interested in participating must register online by Wednesday, April 15.

“Clinical trials are where research can turn into real hope for patients,” said University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center Director Dr. Naoto Ueno in a release about the upcoming workshop.

Ueno is also a cancer researcher, clinical oncologist and two-time cancer survivor.

“Clinical trials give patients access to promising new therapies that are not yet widely available — sometimes offering options when standard treatments are no longer effective,” he added. “These trials can extend lives, improve quality of life and, in some cases, lead to breakthroughs that change the standard of care for future patients.”

The event also marks the 1-year anniversary of Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community patient-empowerment program, honoring the legacy of its late founder and Hope Ambassador Susan Hirano.

Hirano’s vision continues to shape a supportive and empowering space for those affected by cancer.

“Through this Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community event, we are helping people understand that participating in clinical trials is not only about advancing science — it is about giving patients and families new possibilities and new hope, right here in Hawaiʻi,” Ueno said.

Cancer clinical trials are studies in which people with cancer are given new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments.

A trial might involve a certain drug, vaccine, type of surgery or radiation or a combination of treatments.

Every clinical trial is different, so risks also differ; however, the benefits of undergoing a clinical trial include early access to lifesaving new treatments that might not be available to people outside the trial.

The research team closely monitors the clinical trial patient, adding an extra layer of care.

Clinical trials also could help researchers learn more about cancer and help people in the future.

University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center administers nearly 90% of all cancer clinical trials in Hawai‘i, in partnership with member organizations of Hawai‘i Cancer Consortium.

Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community since launching last year brought together hundreds of patients, caregivers, survivors, physicians and researchers to share knowledge, build connections and share support.

Its quarterly events drew an enthusiastic reception from attendees, and the program is growing.

The anniversary carries great meaning for Susan’s husband Peter Hirano.

“This past year has shown how Sue’s vision has resonated with the community and how thirsty the community was for a program like this,” said Peter Hirano in the release. “Susan believed that no one facing cancer should feel alone or without hope. As we mark 1 year of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community — and also remember Susan’s passing 1 year ago — it’s incredibly meaningful to see her legacy continue to help patients and families across Hawaiʻi.

Visit the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center website to learn more about the center, its mission, services and more.

Learn more about Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community and what it does by visiting the program’s website.

“This program is exactly what she hoped for: It provides a place where people can learn, connect and find strength together,” Peter Hirano said about Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community. “Seeing people come together, ask questions and discover new possibilities through clinical trials is something Susan would have been deeply proud of.”