Jump to Main Contents
ncc en
HOME > Publication & Reports > Annual Report 2020 > Center for Public Health Sciences

Annual Report 2020

Division of Health Care Research

Yutaka Matsuoka, Maiko Fujimori, Katsunori Tsuji, Tomomi Narisawa, Akiko Hanai, Ayako Sato, Masako Okamura, Kyoko Obama, Midori Kadowaki, Tempei Miyaji, Ayumi Okizaki, Shin-ichi Goto, Kyoko Akutsu, Asami Satake, Kinjiro Hirayama, Ayumi Mitsuyama, Kana Serizawa, Miku Shimoji, Hiromi Hasegawa, Hiroko Noguchi, Keisuke Inoue, Eisuke Ochi, Tomoe Mashiko, Saki Harashima, Masanori Mori, Ken Kurisu

Introduction

 The Division of Health Care Research was established in January 2016 by the National Cancer Center to acknowledge the numerous individuals who survive cancer for extended periods, reflecting on the need to study their unmet healthcare needs. Our division works to enhance the quality and healthy life expectancy of all individuals diagnosed with cancer and to resolve the late and long-term psychological effects experienced during their remaining life. Our division supports clinical research that examines the effectiveness of supportive, palliative and psychosocial care among cancer survivors and their families.

The Team and What We Do

 Our division has two teams: one for our own research and one for clinical research support. We focus on epidemiological, interventional, behavioral and public health translational research in cancer survivorship to enhance the survival and psychosocial wellbeing of all persons diagnosed with cancer and their family or caregivers. One team initiates an interdisciplinary research program ranging from basic bio-behavioral science to the development, testing and delivery of psychosocial, behavioral and survivorship care. The other team manages J-SUPPORT as a central support office.

Research activities

Health promotion research

 We conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of high-intensity, intermittent training using one's own body weight on cardiorespiratory fitness for sedentary breast cancer survivors (UMIN000036400). A survey was conducted to determine the extent to which recommendations of breast cancer guidelines for physical activity are recognized and practiced by medical professionals engaged in breast cancer care.

Patient-physician communication research

 A randomized controlled trial has been conducted and participants’ enrollment has been completed. The trial aims to examine the effectiveness of communication support interventions in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, their caregivers, and physicians to promote their shared decision making on treatment and care after standard chemotherapy (UMIN000033612). An experimental investigation has been ongoing in order for cancer screening professionals to examine the relationship between cognitive, physiological, and behavioral responses during interviews with physicians. A survey to evaluate the psychological distress and quality of life of advanced cancer patients undergoing a genetic panel has started.

Developing cancer survivorship guidelines

 We systematically reviewed and discussed 11 clinical issues based on the panel’s consensus on comprehensive cancer survivorship guidelines in Japan.

Suicide prevention research

 We published a nationwide population-based study using data from the National Cancer Registry to investigate the suicide risk among cancer patients in Japan. We have made proposals for suicide countermeasures in oncology.

Supportive care clinical research

 In consultation with medical device manufacturers regarding cooling therapy to reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, we developed a clinical research protocol.

Clinical trials

 A feasibility study on developing a support program for patient questions to prepare for discontinuation of anti-cancer agent therapy (UMIN000034379)

 A randomized controlled trial of an integrated empathic communication support program to promote end of life discussion among rapidly progressive cancer patient, their caregiver and physician (UMIN000033612)

 Effect of home-based high-intensity interval training and behavioral modification using information and communication technology on cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise habits among sedentary breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial (UMIN000036400)

Education

 Dr. Diogo Sampaio Barros Viana from Portuguese Ministry of Health, Portugal

 Dr. Yuri Ishino from the Jikei University School of Medicine

 Mr. Kuniaki Tokitou from Kitasato University

Future Prospects

 We will release Japan’s cancer survivorship guidelines. We plan to promote behavioral research for bridging the evidence-practice gap in the field of cancer survivorship, and we will continue to provide consultation on research design and statistical analysis, as well as support clinical trials in terms of quality management.

List of papers published in 2020

Journal

1. Hamazaki K, Matsuoka YJ, Yamaji T, Sawada N, Mimura M, Nozaki S, Shikimoto R, Tsugane S. Plasma phospholipid n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and major depressive disorder in Japanese elderly: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study. Sci Rep, 11:4003, 2021

2. Nozaki S, Sawada N, Matsuoka YJ, Shikimoto R, Mimura M, Tsugane S. Association Between Dietary Fish and PUFA Intake in Midlife and Dementia in Later Life: The JPHC Saku Mental Health Study. J Alzheimers Dis, 79:1091-1104, 2021

3. Wada S, Sadahiro R, Matsuoka YJ, Uchitomi Y, Yamaguchi T, Sato T, Shimada K, Yoshimoto S, Daiko H, Kanemitsu Y, Kawai A, Kato T, Fujimoto H, Shimizu K. Yokukansan for Treatment of Preoperative Anxiety and Prevention of Postoperative Delirium in Cancer Patients Undergoing Highly Invasive Surgery. J-SUPPORT 1605 (ProD Study): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage, 61:71-80, 2021

4. Huang KY, Tseng PT, Wu YC, Tu YK, Stubbs B, Su KP, Matsuoka YJ, Hsu CW, Lin CH, Chen YW, Lin PY. Do beta-adrenergic blocking agents increase asthma exacerbation? A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sci Rep, 11:452, 2021

5. Narisawa T, Nishi D, Okubo R, Noguchi H, Hamazaki K, Yamashita A, Matsuoka YJ. Impact of peritraumatic distress on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms at 6 months after acute coronary syndrome: a prospective cohort study. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 12:1854511, 2021

6. Harashima S, Fujimori M, Akechi T, Matsuda T, Saika K, Hasegawa T, Inoue K, Yoshiuchi K, Miyashiro I, Uchitomi Y, J Matsuoka Y. Death by suicide, other externally caused injuries and cardiovascular diseases within 6 months of cancer diagnosis (J-SUPPORT 1902). Jpn J Clin Oncol, 51:744-752, 2021

7. Tsuji K, Matsuoka YJ, Ochi E. High-intensity interval training in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review. BMC Cancer, 21:184, 2021

8. Cheng YS, Tseng PT, Wu MK, Tu YK, Wu YC, Li DJ, Chen TY, Su KP, Stubbs B, Carvalho AF, Lin PY, Matsuoka YJ, Chen YW, Sun CK, Shiue YL. Pharmacologic and hormonal treatments for menopausal sleep disturbances: A network meta-analysis of 43 randomized controlled trials and 32,271 menopausal women. Sleep Med Rev, 57:101469, 2021

9. Harashima S, Fujimori M. Risk of suicide among adolescents and young adults with cancer and a need for targeted interventions. Ann Transl Med, 8:428, 2020

10. Tseng PT, Yang CP, Su KP, Chen TY, Wu YC, Tu YK, Lin PY, Stubbs B, Carvalho AF, Matsuoka YJ, Li DJ, Liang CS, Hsu CW, Chen YW, Shiue YL. The association between melatonin and episodic migraine: A pilot network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the prophylactic effects with exogenous melatonin supplementation and pharmacotherapy. J Pineal Res, 69:e12663, 2020

11. Hirano T, Motohashi T, Okumura K, Takajo K, Kuroki T, Ichikawa D, Matsuoka Y, Ochi E, Ueno T. Data Validation and Verification Using Blockchain in a Clinical Trial for Breast Cancer: Regulatory Sandbox. J Med Internet Res, 22:e18938, 2020

12. Morishima T, Tsuchiya Y, Ueda H, Tsuji K, Ochi E. Sitting-induced Endothelial Dysfunction Is Prevented in Endurance-trained Individuals. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 52:1770-1775, 2020