CULLEN TANIGUCHI Obituary

DR. CULLEN MITSUO TANIGUCHI March 29, 1976 November 15, 2023 Dr. Cullen Mitsuo Taniguchi, 47, may have left the world too soon, but not before leaving us enduring, positive contributions in cancer research and treatment that established new standards of care. He touched the lives of hundreds of patients, inspired colleagues, and served as a role model for the next generation of clinicians and researchers. Cullen was driven by an unwavering desire to provide the best quality of life for the cancer patients entrusted in his care. He passed away unexpectedly while on a business visit to a cancer center in Tampa, Florida. He will always be remembered as a compassionate clinician with a gentle bedside manner, an exceptional scientist, a trusted colleague, a nurturing mentor, and most importantly, a dedicated husband to his wife, Mariko, and a caring dad for his two young daughters, Paige and Holly. He was the consummate researcher and clinician, seamlessly blending his serious commitment to academic research with a remarkable ability to communicate difficult news to patients and their families and help them to navigate through their care journey. As a leading radiation oncology physician-scientist, his work improved cancer treatment and health outcomes for patients. His work to reduce acute and chronic toxicity from chemoradiation is a testament of his brilliant work. Cullen had an endearing wit and humor. Hawai'i Roots Cullen grew up in Mililani, surrounded by positive role models and caring individuals, including his parents Edwin and Sharon Taniguchi, his brother Reid (his video-game opponent) and sister Janis Tolentino (a dedicated teacher). Edwin was an epidemiologist and Sharon, a public elementary school teacher. His parents remembered him as a young child who sought to overcome "everything as a challenge" and how he seemed to thrive on being challenged. Cullen attended Mililani High School, discovering his passion for science and technology as well as music through playing percussion in the orchestra and marching band. During high school, he was inspired to become a doctor from shadowing and being mentored by his "Uncle Ray" Taniguchi, a prominent local neurosurgeon from Duke University. He went on to Occidental College, Los Angeles, where he joined the inter-collegiate rugby team, minored in music, and graduated with a chemistry degree. Shortly thereafter, he was named a Rhodes Scholar, which led him to study at University of Oxford and an experience that expanded his vision of the world. In 2002, Cullen and Mariko married, a relationship that began during their high school days when they were participants in a summer medicine and science program, respectively. His marriage to Mariko would create the partnership that enabled Cullen to pursue his passion in medicine and science. Mariko was his cheerleader, advisor, advocate, sounding board, and second pair of eyes and ears. From England, Cullen moved to Boston, enrolling in the Harvard Medical School physician-scientist program and graduating with a medical degree and doctorate degree (PhD) in cell and developmental biology. His residency training in radiation oncology took place at Stanford University, where his exceptional mind in translational research was recognized. His Accomplishments Cullen's career took off upon joining the Division of Radiation Oncology at world renown The University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2014, Houston. He was a physician-scientist specializing in Gastrointestinal cancers, in particular, pancreatic cancer. He was also an innovator in the development of advanced radiotherapy treatments, leading clinical trials as principal investigator of large research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Cullen received numerous accolades, including the Institute of Texas Scholar, the Sabin Family Fellowship, the ASCI Young Clinical Investigator Award, the ASC Oncology Breakthrough MERIT Award, and the AACR Early-Career Investigator Award, among many others. In 2022, early in his young career, he was inducted into the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in part, for his groundbreaking work ("HIF-2a") in regenerative medicine and cancer biology. His rapid promotion to Associate Professor gave momentum to a professorship had he lived on. Cullen's legacy of excellence continues today. The Taniguchi Laboratory at MD Anderson studies how hypoxia (low oxygen) biology can be used to reduce radiation toxicity in normal tissues when surgery is not possible. His seminal work related to radiation to pancreatic cancer was published posthumously in the preeminent Lance Oncology (Nov. 28, 2023). Mentoring the Next Generation of Providers Shortly before his passing, Cullen was appointed to be the inaugural director of the Physician Scientist-Translational Science program at MD Anderson. His reputation grew from his genuine desire to develop students and trainees to reach their highest potential, and many trainees were awarded highly competitive grants, fellowships, and faculty positions under his tutelage. He once told the students that everyone has a "superpower." His was the ability to see the super-power potential in others with the conviction that everyone has something positive to offer, including his patients. Over nine years, Cullen had mentored more than 50 undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students and residents, shaping a new generation of clinicians and researchers through the University of Texas Health Graduate School. His advocacy for aspiring students attracted him to the University of Puerto Rico, where he helped lead a partnership to pave pathways for students who sought to be physician-scientists. He visited other foreign countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia to promote quality cancer care and training. Devoted to His Family Even with all of his professional responsibilities, Cullen made his family a priority. Mariko was the love of his life, creating a way for him to naturally spend time with their children -- coaching Holly's softball team, taking pride in Paige's piano playing, and splashing water with them in their small pool during warm, humid Houston weather. They enjoyed hosting parties with his entire research 'ohana, welcoming them into their home. He earned a reputation for being a skilled pitmaster of tender, barbecue briskets. While Cullen and Mariko with their young daughters traveled throughout the world, they always embraced Hawaii as their number one destination, their home. Their families recently held a Celebration of Life and thanked many relatives and friends for their prayers and acts of kindness in remembrance of Cullen over the past year.