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Naoto Ueno
Director, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center
Naoto T. Ueno, MD, PhD, FACP, is the Director of the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, a position he has held since December 12, 2022.1 He is a distinguished researcher and clinician with extensive experience in breast cancer research and treatment.
Background and Education
Dr. Ueno earned his MD from Wakayama Medical College in Japan and his PhD in cancer biology from The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.12 He completed his clinical residency in internal medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and a fellowship in medical oncology and blood and marrow transplantation at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.2
Research Focus
Dr. Ueno specializes in translational breast cancer research, focusing on cancer biology, immuno-oncology, and molecular therapeutics.2 He has led more than 50 clinical trials, with a particular emphasis on aggressive breast cancers such as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).2 His work includes developing targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and investigating the role of various protein enzymes in breast cancer progression.2
Career Highlights
- Previously served as the executive director of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.1
- Has held faculty and administrative positions at MD Anderson since 1996, including tenured professor of medicine.1
- Created a comprehensive research program and clinic devoted to IBC, which became the world's largest for rare breast cancer.1
- Recipient of numerous awards, including the MD Anderson Distinguished Clinical Faculty Mentor Award and the Regents Outstanding Teaching Award from The University of Texas System.2
Personal Experience
As a two-time cancer survivor himself, Dr. Ueno brings a unique perspective to his role, allowing him to empathize with cancer patients.13 He has published two books about empowering patients in cancer care.1
Current Role and Vision
At the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Dr. Ueno aims to address health disparities and improve access to care for underrepresented populations, including Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander individuals.3 He is committed to developing innovative therapies for advanced breast cancer and enhancing the center's clinical trials and community-building efforts.13
Highlights
Advancing HER2-positive breast cancer treatment: the promise and challenges of trastuzumab deruxtecan over trastuzumab emtansine—DESTINY-Breast03 trial https://t.co/Z1sEDpzoVx
It has been an honor to speak for @MDAndersonCancer, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, at 'Career Paths in the Biomedical Sciences: Charting Your Adventure. Great talks about how to develop a biomedical research career by many established researchers. https://t.co/Cq5lQvapCO



