Expert Interview: Prof. Naoto T. Ueno Discusses the Future of Breast Cancer Therapy
On July 2, 2025, Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment (JCMT) had the honor of conducting 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. As a two-time cancer survivor, Prof. Ueno brings a unique perspective that bridges scientific innovation and patient-centered care.
In this special interview, Prof. Ueno shared his insights on the future of precision oncology, the role of artificial intelligence and large language models in cancer research, and the importance of closing the gap between scientific discovery and clinical impact.
As a prominent figure in cancer education, he emphasized the need to support underrepresented and indigenous communities, outlining his vision for developing inclusive and innovative programs at the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center.
We are deeply grateful to Prof. Ueno for sharing his time, insights, and vision with JCMT. Stay tuned for more expert interviews as we continue to celebrate scientific excellence and leadership in cancer research.
About Prof. Naoto T. Ueno
Prof. Naoto T. Ueno, MD, PhD, FACP, is the Director of the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center and an internationally recognized leader in translational breast cancer research. Prior to his current role, he served as Executive Director of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Program and Section Chief of Translational Breast Cancer Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center. His work has focused extensively on triple-negative and inflammatory breast cancers, with particular emphasis on the tumor microenvironment, metastasis, and immunotherapy.
Prof. Ueno is also a passionate advocate for patient-centered research and healthcare equity. As a two-time cancer survivor, he brings a deeply personal perspective to his leadership, emphasizing empathy, innovation, and global collaboration. Throughout his career, he has championed mentorship, 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: Eric Zhang
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Journal Editorial Office of Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment
