Annual Report 2023
Preface
In 2023, while the COVID-19 pandemic was gradually subsiding, our ward experienced recurrent clusters of infections, leading to periodic closures and reduced medical services, particularly in inpatient care. Through cooperation with neighboring medical associations, we were able to maintain a steady operation; the number of first-time patients (including second opinions) was 11,915, the average number of outpatients per day was 1,403.6, and the average number of outpatient treatment center visits per day was 234.2, and the number of surgeries per year was 4,455. The 392.4 average daily patient count and 101.3% bed occupancy rate were largely in line with expectations.
Our three Da Vinci surgical systems were utilized for robot-assisted procedures in urology, gastroenterology, esophageal, respiratory, gynecological, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, head and neck, and colorectal surgery. A total of 835 cases were performed, marking a new record high. We aim to further increase the patient-to-bed ratio in the future.
While proton beam therapy continues to be impacted by a decline in overseas patient numbers, our on-site hotel outpatient clinic, designed to support remote patients, has been successful. We have introduced customized accommodation plans for cancer patients undergoing specific treatments, such as colorectal cancer surgery and radiation therapy, and plan to expand this service based on its positive reception.
We remain committed to pioneering new treatments. The results of Japan's first clinical trial using photon counting CT will be shared domestically and internationally, paving the way for commercial availability. We have also established a dedicated clinical trial and treatment building to address the growing field of internal therapy using radiation isotopes.
In the realm of medical device development, we have initiated numerous joint research projects, including AI-powered medical device development, AI-assisted endoscopic diagnosis, oxygen saturation imaging endoscopes, endoscopic surgery training equipment, and tracheal intubation support systems. We also actively deploy surgical support robots. Additionally, we've submitted an application for a cryoablation therapy device for esophageal cancer and are supporting the clinical use of the ANSUR Surgical Unit.
Our clinical research efforts are primarily focused on translational research (TR). In the LC-SCRUM-AP initiative, we have expanded our Asian collaborative network to include Vietnam. We are also expanding our facilities in Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia, while coordinating with Indonesia to join the group. The MONSTAR-SCREEN-3 project, based on multi-omics data analysis, is underway, and we have initiated joint research with Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization to develop MRD and MCED assays. We aim to establish a global omics data archiving system.
To foster drug discovery and medical device innovation, we are collaborating with the Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC) to build a domestic ecosystem. The opening of MITSUI LINK-Lab has accelerated regenerative medicine development, and we are advancing CAR-T cell therapy on the Kashiwanoha regenerative medicine platform. Additionally, clinical trials for urinary incontinence treatment using adipose stem cells have commenced.
The Hospital East, in addition to its core clinical research role, is actively promoting translational research through the EPOC. This enables earlier access to non-NCC seeds and strengthens our clinical exit strategy, particularly for the hospital. We continue to conduct investigator-initiated clinical trials and specific clinical research for other academic venture seeds.
The National Cancer Center Venture Incubation Program (NCC VIP) at the NCCHE, in collaboration with JIC Venture Growth Investments, aims to foster startups in the deep tech and life science fields, contributing to the commercialization of innovative medical technologies in oncology. We have also been certified as part of the Greater Tokyo Biocommunity.
As the bioindustry landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to sharing information and driving innovation from Japan.
Toshihiko Doi
Director, National Cancer Center Hospital East