The ​l​aunch of the Ho‘ōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center — Hawaiʻi's first dedicated early phase clinical research center​ for cancer — represents a major development in both​ cancer research and patient care in Hawaiʻi.​

The name “Ho‘ōla​” ​— Hawaiian for “to give life,” “to heal,” or “to restore” —​ reflects the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s commitment to bringing hope, innovation, and expert, compassionate care to patients and families in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

At Ho‘ōla EPCRC, ​located within the UH Cancer Center in Kaka‘ako, qualifying patients will, for the first time in state history, have the opportunity to access innovative early-phase clinical trial treatments for cancer right here in Hawaiʻi.​ ​Instead of having to travel to the U.S. mainland for the newest cutting-edge cancer treatments, patients treated through Ho‘ōla EPCRC will be able to remain close to home and ‘ohana, which is crucial to their healing journey.​

These patients also will be making invaluable contributions to medical science, as early-phase clinical trials like these are how tomorrow’s standard cancer treatments are developed.