Early Detection Targeted
U.S., Japan Cancer Programs Collaborate on Biomarkers
The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) and the National Cancer Institute recently hosted a scientific workshop in Japan aimed at facilitating the research and development of early cancer detection. The focus was on biomarker discovery.
Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, head of NCI’s Early Detection Research Network, co-organized the meeting with Dr. Tetsuo Noda, executive director and cancer institute director of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research.
“A deeper understanding of the transition from premalignant to malignant state as a function of time will allow the development of more precise risk stratification methods and effective early intervention strategies,” Srivastava said.
“A major hindrance to prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer is the lack of comprehensive knowledge of the molecular, cellular and tissue alterations that drive tumor development and progression from its earliest stages,” he added.
“These meetings significantly have stimulated research activities and facilitated collaborative crosstalk between the two countries,” Noda said. “Since 2016, [AMED] has supported the workshops to provide cancer researchers with an invaluable opportunity to mutually exchange information regarding their cutting-edge research findings and novel technologies.”
AMED president Dr. Makoto Suematsu added, “To conquer cancer and achieve the vision of a cancer-free society, we need to accelerate the research of early detection through collaboration among international researchers. This U.S.-Japan workshop has been [since its inception in 2012], and will continue to be, a great opportunity to maximize the value of collaboration between Japan and the U.S.”