National Cancer Center Hospital

Currently, I am in charge of supporting researchers in carrying out clinical trials at the National Cancer Center Hospital, including the Master Key Project. I am also involved in developing a new clinical research system.
The Master Key Project is an initiative to efficiently promote the development of treatments for rare cancers. With collaboration from 12 participating companies, 11 participating institutions including National Cancer Center Hospital, and patient association networks, it will serve as a platform for collaborative treatment development. Until now, sufficient information about the backgrounds and progress of rare cancer patients has not been gathered. However, through this project, we are collecting data that reveals the characteristics of these cancers, uncovering new information, further advancing the development of treatments for these cancers and improving the availability of novel drugs to patients.
The key point is that through the Master Key Project, we can work together with patient association networks, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare institutions to tackle various challenges. Participation in clinical trials is still not common among patients. Therefore, we are working to raise awareness through events such as the Rare Cancers Community Open Day.

Conducting research requires many factors, such as a data collection system, preparation of trial drugs, and support personnel. It is common that research cannot be conducted despite being planned, due to insufficient fund. FUTURE Project is believed as a key solution to these challenges. We hope that these promising seeds of new treatments will not be left overlooked simply due to insufficient research funding. By securing funding and utilizing research facilities, we aim to nurture these seeds, creating a positive cycle that will attract further research funding in the future.
Many clinical trials abroad are funded through donations, but such cases are still very rare at present in Japan.
The FUTURE Project has a clear goal of developing cancer treatments, so we believe it’s easy for people to envision how their donations will be used. Clinical research cannot be conducted individually but requires collaboration with the project team. We consider those who have donated to be an integral part of the team.
As someone directly involved in various clinical research projects, particularly the Master Key Project, I am eager to nurture the seeds of research and development and help them grow into significant outcomes.