INTRACTABLE DISEASE(CANCER) UNIT

Ongoing research projects

In Japan, approximately 8,000 patients are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because in its early stages it is difficult to be noticed by the patient, and because it has a high risk of metastasis to the lymph nodes of the neck. If oral cancer is discovered after it metastasizes, only half of diagnosed individuals will show 5-year-survival rate. At present, we do not know good tumor markers to detect oral cancer in its early stages, or molecular mechanisms how normal oral epithelial cells become malignant cancer cells to threaten the patient’s life. Therefore, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms which underlie the oral cancers development and progression using big data based on clinical samples obtained at TMDU. Furthermore, we will attempt to develop novel therapeutic strategies for oral cancers targeting various components of tumor microenvironment including cancer cells, tumor vasculature, and cancer associate fibroblasts. Our goal is to launch “Precision Medicine” for oral cancer by combining accurate diagnosis and personalized medicine consisting of surgical, chemical, radiation and immune therapies.