Naoto T. Ueno, MD, PhD, FACP
Professor of Medicine
University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center
Dr. Naoto Ueno joined the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center in December 2022 and is now its director. Prior to this role, he was the Executive Director of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Research Program and Clinic and the Chief of the Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology.
Dr. Ueno is renowned for developing a comprehensive research program and clinic focused on aggressive breast cancer, IBC, which has become the world’s largest and most distinguished center for this rare form of breast cancer. His leadership and visionary approach have facilitated numerous collaborations on both local and global levels. Dr. Ueno fosters a team culture that values diversity, psychological safety, and research-driven compassionate patient care.
As a director, Dr. Ueno envisions building a world-class cancer center that excels in groundbreaking research and serves as a beacon of hope and innovation for the community. He is committed to integrating cutting-edge science with compassionate care, ensuring that advancements in research directly translate to improved patient outcomes. His vision includes expanding the center’s reach and impact, particularly in underserved populations, and cultivating the next generation of cancer research and treatment leaders.
His research primarily explores the roles of various signaling pathways in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and IBC, focusing on the tumor microenvironment and targeted therapies. Dr. Ueno has secured significant extramural funding, including NIH grants and awards from organizations such as CPRIT, DOD, and BCRF.
In addition to his research, Dr. Ueno leads several investigator-initiated clinical trials for advanced breast cancer and supports colleagues in obtaining research grants. He is also an experienced educator, teaching leadership, communication, and clinical research skills for drug development. He is a DDI-certified leadership facilitator, TEDx speaker, and author of two books on patient empowerment in cancer care.
As a two-time cancer survivor, Dr. Ueno brings a unique, comprehensive perspective to healthcare and passionately advocates for patient-centered, research-driven clinical care.