Projects

Cancer Policies Research and Proposition of Common Cancer Control Measures

We jointly operate the secretariat of the Asian National Cancer Centres Alliance (ANCCA), which serves as an international research platform for the 21 national cancer centres in the member countries, making it possible to study, compare and analyze the healthcare system and cancer control of each country. In addition to the result of the analysis, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Division of Prevention, we move forward the project on Asian Code against Cancer and aim to establish the Asian common cancer control measures based on scientific evidences. As part of our activities, we also actively collaborate to align National Cancer Control Plans and Programmes among member countries.

Development of Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCR) and Estimation of Cancer Incidence in Asia

As Collaborative Center designated by IARC, we take part in the Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development (GICR) to standardize cancer registration and cancer statistics. Based on a Memorandum of Understanding with Vital Strategies, we disseminate the standardized rules to Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and other Asian countries. We apply statistical models to estimate cancer incidence in these areas.

Estimation of the Burden of Rare Cancers and Collaboration with Clinical Trials in Asia

Under the framework of Rare Cancers Asia, we worked together with South Korea, Taiwan Thailand, Malaysia and India to launch RARECAREnet Asia, which provides estimations of the burden (incidence, survival and prevalence) of rare cancers including pediatric cancers. Moreover, we are collaboratively implementing the project ATLAS for infrastructure development of clinical trials in Asia led by the Division of International Clinical Development of National Cancer Center Hospital.

Assessing Unmet Needs in Common and Rare Cancers: A Comparative Analysis

In collaboration with Rare Cancers Japan (link to external website) and other stakeholders, a survey was conducted to elucidate the unmet needs of patients afflicted with both rare and common cancers. This endeavor aims to better understand the burdens faced by patients throughout the trajectory of their illnesses. Ongoing analysis seeks to identify key findings and facilitate comparative assessments at national and international levels to inform strategies to address these pressing needs.

Clinical Research with Population-Based Cancer Statistics as an Entry Point

With IARC and IKNL Netherlands, we are implementing a long-term follow-up research for cancer patients based on population-based cancer statistics. To conduct this research, under the initiative of the Population-based Cohort Study Section of the Division of Cohort Consortium Research, we are proceeding to establish a collaborative section with IARC.

Standardization of Childhood Cancer Staging, Survival Estimation, and Development of Statistical Infrastructure

Cooperating with Italy and UK, we are conducting survival analysis (BENCHISTA Project) by applying the standard rule, Toronto Childhood Cancer Stage Guidelines, which was proposed by a research group led by the Cancer Council Queensland of Australia, to Japanese clinical/PBCR data. We are also participating in the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) promoted by WHO, and are involved in the development of statistical infrastructure for childhood cancer together with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, USA.

Development of Data Sharing Technologies Disentailing the Transactions of Individual Information

Considering strict personal information protection rules nowadays, above all in international collaborative researches, we are planning to shift from constructing big-database to virtual data sharing technologies（Vantage6）without exchanging individual information, with IKNL Netherlands.

International Comparison of Patient and Public Involvement in Cancer Clinical Research

As patient and public involvement (PPI) in cancer research gains interest in Japan and around the world, we are developing a new and user-friendly tool to objectively assess the degree of PPI implementation within clinical trials. This tool allows to compare the step(s) and degree of achievement of PPI in clinical trials from the perspective of principal investigators in Japan versus several European countries. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are currently analysing PPI across eight key steps of cancer research in both regions with the aim of formulating targeted recommendations for improvement.