Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 7, 1 July 1988 — Hawaiians Needed in Cancer Study [ARTICLE]

Hawaiians Needed in Cancer Study

Of all the ethnic groups in Hawaii, native Hawaiians suffer the highest incidence of breast and lung cancer. Clara Ching, Ph.D. and Richard Kekuni Blaisdell, M.D. are conducting research to find out why. With an ongoing grant from the National Cancer Research Institute, the Hawaii Biological Response Modifiers Research Laboratory, (HIBRM), a part of the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, is continuing its three-year-old study of cancer in Hawaiian families. Dr. Ching, an immunologist, is principal investigator and Dr. Blaisdell is co-investigator. The study is examining whether high risk Hawaiian families and non-Hawaiian families with multiple cases of cancer may have some immunologic or genetic deficiency that predisposes them to the disease. Other studies have demonstrated that high cancer groups laek a natural eell whieh destroys tumors and viruses in the body. These natural killers or NK cells appear to help fight cancer development as part of the body's immune system. People with cancer may have low NK levels or defective NK cells. Researchers are looking at ways to increase the numbers and effectiveness of NK cells by stimulating them with bodily substances such as interferon and other biological response modifiers. Dr. Nathaniel Ching of the University of Hawaii Medi-

eal School Department of Surgery is working on this phase of the project in collaboration with HI-BRM to develop the most advanced cancer therapy for Hawaii's cancer patients using "biologicaI response modifiers" such as interferon and interlukin. Drs. Ching and Blaisdell are asking people of Hawaiian ancestry to participate in the study in order to provide more effective tools in the fight against cancer. So far, there are 200 families involved and they would like to increase this number. The researchers are looking for the participation of two groups of- Hawaiians: 1. Hawaiian patients with cancer of the breast and lung and their immediate families; parents, brothers, sisters and if possible, children. 2. Hawaiian families with or without a history of cancer. This group will be studied to determine whether immunologic and genetic deficiencies may affect the natural immune system and increase the risk of developing cancer. If you are willing to participate in this important cancer research please fill out and return the form printed below. If you would like more information about the project, eall Dr. Ching at 595-2753.