Annual Report 2024
Preface
Since its opening, the National Cancer Center Hospital has served as the clinical division of the Tsukiji Campus, fulfilling its role as a leading hospital for cancer care and research under the principle of “collaborating with society to deliver optimal cancer treatment and prevention to all citizens.” Through strong collaboration with the Institute, the hospital has been engaged in whole-genome analysis, translational research (TR), research and development for rare and hard-to-treat cancers with significant unmet needs, and international deployment. As a designated advanced-function hospital, it has also worked to enhance the medical safety system, build a patient-centric, high-quality and safe clinical care framework, and strengthen consultation and support services. The vision it aims for is: “As Japan’s flagship hospital for cancer care, we will provide each patient with optimal, world-class medical treatment.” Under the new president, Prof. Mano, the following serve as the basic policies.
1. Promote the development and introduction of safe and pioneering medical care, and provide high-quality personalized medicine.
2. Promote international cooperation, and with hospitals and research divisions working together, address cancer with those affected and develop new diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
3. Lead the equalization of cancer treatment across the country, aiming to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
4. Through consultation support, information dissemination, cancer education, and research, carry out activities that enable all citizens to live with peace of mind and dignity.
5. Train specialists who will be responsible for the next generation of cancer care, and pioneer the future of cancer medicine.
6. Create a workplace where staff are healthy, have pride and a sense of purpose, and can work with peace of mind.
Main clinical results in 2024 were as follows (parentheses; 2023).
Inpatient number per day: 514.9 (507.7)
Average length of hospital stay: 9.6 days (9.4)
Outpatient number per day: 1,571 (1,549)
Number of outpatient cancer treatment per day: 209.5 (205.7)
Number of operations per year: 5,582 (5,642)
Number of endoscopic operations per year: 1,231 (1,334)
Number of robotic operations per year: 666 (454)
The number of in-hospital admissions per day and the number of cases handled by the outpatient treatment centre are increasing, which we believe reflects the current high level of activity. On the other hand, the number of outpatients exceeds 1,500 per day each year, and the outpatient space has clearly become cramped, which we consider an urgent issue for our hospital. Although the number of laparoscopic surgeries has decreased by about 100 cases, robot-assisted surgeries have increased by about 200 cases, pointing to a transition of minimally invasive surgery toward robotic methods. Furthermore, the introduction of the da Vinci SP and da Vinci 5 has also taken place, and we expect the share of robotic surgery to continue growing. In the IVR (Interventional Radiology) Centre, a total of 8,071 procedures are performed annually, making it one of Japan’s leading facilities. Clinical trials are also actively being conducted: 119 company-sponsored trials and 99 First-in-Human (FIH) trials are underway. Activity in the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) is also vigorous, with 3,400 patient registrations per year. Looking ahead, in order to further enhance Japan’s drug-discovery capabilities, the development of a system to conduct FIH trials is being pursued as a national policy, and our Hospital is scheduled to serve as the implementing body. We believe that initiatives in this area are becoming even more important. At present, in terms of spatial capacity, we are operating at the limit, but we are committed to providing optimal medical care to a wide population, pursuing further internationalisation, and developing cutting-edge medical care. We sincerely ask for your continued warm support and advice.
National Cancer Center Hospital
Director, Yasuyuki Seto