JFCR opened Koraku Hospital (currently the Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR) in the area of Nishisugamo in 1934 as Japan’s first hospital specializing in cancer. Since its establishment, the research institute and hospital have always coexisted. Currently, even after the hospital was moved to the area of Ariake, all research departments, namely the Cancer Institute, Cancer Chemotherapy Center and Cancer Precision Medicine Center (CPM Center) continue to promote structured cancer research in close collaboration with the Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR. From the beginning of the 21st century, the development of molecular-targeted agents brought great change to cancer treatments. Furthermore, more than a quarter of a century has already passed since the global trend of research and development has shifted a method that searches for the mutations of cancer genes and tumor-suppressing genes, developing molecular-targeted agents for their mutant products with rapid advancement of cancer genome analysis technologies. However, only less than half of identified cancer types markedly respond to molecular-targeted agents. In recent years, many researchers think that there are limits to treatment drugs developed through this method.
　In order to provide more cancer patients with more effective cancer treatment drugs in the future, the development and progression of cancer, in particular the molecular mechanisms of its metastasis and recurrence, must be clarified at a much deeper level than our present understanding to learn about their molecular mechanisms and identify new treatment targets. JFCR has the potential to attain a new understanding of cancer for the development of innovative treatment drugs. Then, when considering such a new workflow, what is most important is to encourage basic cancer research so that human cancers can be thoroughly understood, to a level that is unprecedentedly different from our current understanding. In other words, the promotion of revolutionary human cancer biology studies is crucial. To achieve this, we have set up the NEXT-Ganken Program in JFCR’s Research Unit as a new focal point for research in order to drive innovative basic cancer research forward by introducing various advanced analysis technologies. Under the guidance of Program Director Shinji Ohno and Associate Program Director Reo Maruyama, many young researchers will participate in the Program to propel research and development with an unprecedented structure. We ask for your kind support.

Tetsuo Noda, M.D., Ph.D.
Senior Managing Director, Research Unit, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research

　In modern times, one in two people is diagnosed with “cancer,” and one in three people die of “cancer.” To conquer cancer is not a “dream” but a “goal” that must be achieved. For medical services to provide the best treatment and care for those who are affected by cancer, both the improvement of services and also their advancement are needed in order to prevent and even cure cancer. The three pillars of basic research, translational research and clinical research exist to achieve this. NEXT-Ganken is a program that takes on the challenge of conquering cancer by efficiently combining the three pillars in five-year periods in anticipation of forming the future of cancer medical care in the coming decade.
　For individuals with cancer, we have to view their cancer tissues, cancer cells and genes as a singular disease. The “NEXT-Ganken” envisions a future where the program not only optimizes JFCR’s encouragement of close cooperation between hospitals and research organizations and development of effective cancer treatments, but also develops human resources so that they can play a key role in the next-generation of cancer research.
　Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease afflicting women worldwide. It is needless to say that NEXT-Ganken will target any cancer, but intends to focus on breast cancer research.
　Young researchers putting their hearts into cancer-conquering research will realize a future where “cancer has been defeated” by coming together in collaboration. Please kindly cooperate and support us.

Shinji Ohno, M.D., Ph.D.
Program Director, NEXT-Ganken Program
Deputy Hospital Director, Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR