Interview with Prof. Naoto T. Ueno: Insights into the Future of Breast Cancer Therapy
On July 2, 2025, Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment (JCMT) conducted an exclusive interview with Prof. Naoto T. Ueno, an internationally recognized leader in translational breast cancer research and the newly appointed Director of the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. As a two-time cancer survivor, Prof. Ueno brings a unique perspective that bridges scientific innovation and patient-centered care.
In the conversation, Prof. Ueno shared his insights on the future of precision oncology, the role of artificial intelligence and large language models in cancer research, and effective strategies to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice. As a prominent figure in cancer education, he also emphasized the need to support underrepresented and indigenous communities, outlining his vision for developing inclusive and innovative training programs at the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center.
Watch the following video for expert insights from Prof. Naoto T. Ueno:
Interview Questions:
Q1: You have led impactful translational research in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). What do you see as the next frontier for IBC treatment, and how might precision oncology further shape this direction?
Q2: Artificial intelligence and large language models are reshaping cancer diagnostics and treatment planning. How do you envision their integration into translational breast cancer research and patient care?
Q3: Translational research often faces a gap between scientific discovery and clinical application. In your experience, what are the most effective ways to accelerate this transition, particularly in breast cancer?
Q4: What initiatives are you considering to strengthen cancer education and training at the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, especially for underrepresented or indigenous communities?
Q5: What initially drew you to medicine, and how has that motivation evolved over time - especially as you transitioned into oncology and later became a cancer survivor yourself?
About the Interviewee:
Prof. Naoto T. Ueno, MD, PhD, FACP, Director of the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Prof. Ueno's work centers primarily on triple-negative and inflammatory breast cancers, with particular emphasis on the tumor microenvironment, metastasis, and immunotherapy.
Additionally, as a passionate advocate for patient-centered research, Prof. Ueno is committed to promoting healthcare equity and improving outcomes in diverse populations. His personal experience as a two-time cancer survivor profoundly shapes his empathetic leadership and dedication to scientific innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration. Throughout his career, he has championed diversity in science and supported the development of early-career investigators, while advancing cutting-edge strategies to close the gap between bench and bedside.
Editor: Frida Zhai
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment
