Annual Report 2023
Division of Biomarker Discovery (Tsukiji Campus)
Fumitaka Takeshita, Masayuki Komatsu, Megumi Miyagi, Sachika Ueno, Fumiko Chiwaki, Shigeaki Watanabe
Introduction
The two major research areas of the Department of Translational Oncology were: 1) the establishment of cancer cell lines derived from the ascites of patients with cancer for preclinical studies of new cancer therapeutics and 2) technical support with the generation of cancer model mouse and in vivo imaging for research groups within and outside of the NCC.
Research Activities
1. Establishment of cell lines derived from patients with cancer and development of new cancer treatment methods
Since 2010, we have been attempting to establish new cell lines from the ascites of patients with undifferentiated gastric cancer who frequently experience peritoneal recurrence. As of March 2022, the cumulative number of new cell lines established was 122 lines from 78 cases (National Cancer Center Stomach Cancer, NSC series). Similarly, 105 lines from 83 cases of pancreatic cancer, 30 lines from 29 cases of ovarian cancer, 2 cases of liposarcoma, and 1 case each of bile duct cancer, gallbladder cancer, mesothelioma, esophagogastric junction cancer, and breast cancer were established successfully. We have conducted joint research with pharmaceutical companies using established strains, and some new drugs have progressed to clinical trials.
2. For the purpose of application to the delivery of nucleic acid medicine, we identified some secretory proteins that are taken up by cancer cells.
3. In our laboratory, evaluation of treatments through cancer model studies and imaging for gene medicine molecules such as microRNAs are performed by making good use of this imaging device that detects luminescence and fluorescence from living animals.
4. Cancer model animal production and in vivo imaging analysis support
In response to requests from researchers inside and outside the center, we provided in vivo imaging analysis and support to produce cancer model animals. We provided the following research support:
Evaluation of new treatment methods using mouse models of metastatic breast cancer
Preparation of pancreatic cancer model mice with orthotopic implantation
Education
We supported a postdoctoral fellow through research design, writing a paper, and grant applications, and nurtured one trainee who was a vocational school student through experiments, discussion, and writing a report or paper.
Future Prospects
Co-development of new drugs with companies using novel gastric and pancreatic cancer cell lines, etc. will continue. We also plan to continue to develop the application for the delivery of nucleic acid medicine.