The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) "Next-Generation Cancer Professional Training Plan" is implemented with the aim of establishing centers through inter-university collaboration. These centers are intended to train cancer medical specialists, a measure identified as essential for strengthening human resource development under the 4th Basic Plan to Promote Cancer Control Programs. The specialists to be trained include:
1. professionals who can address the emerging challenges in the field of cancer care;
2. professionals who can promote cancer prevention; and
3. professionals who can develop new therapies.
Overview of the Training Program for Multidisciplinary Professionals to Lead Next-Generation Cancer Care
The "Training Program for Multidisciplinary Professionals to Lead Next-Generation Cancer Care," a joint initiative of seven universities and thirteen graduate schools led by Tokyo Medical and Dental University (to become Institute of Science Tokyo on October 1, 2024), has been selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) "Next-Generation Cancer Professional Training Plan." Advances in medicine and pharmacology, including genomic medicine, have been remarkable, and their clinical applications are accelerating. The program aims to train pharmacists and pharmaceutical researchers who can keep pace with this specialized, cutting-edge medical care.
Graduate School of Keio University University, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Tomonori Nakamura, Gan-Pro Coordinator
Training Program for Multidisciplinary Professionals to Lead Next-Generation Cancer Care (Applying Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University)
Program Features
14 Working Groups (WGs)
Many Common Courses for Partner Universities
Training in Interprofessional Collaboration
Data Science Education
Close Collaboration with Patient Organizations
Collaboration among Seven Universities in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Keio University University
Juntendo University
Tokyo Dental College
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
Tokai University
International University of Health and Welfare
Addressing the Challenges in Next-Generation Cancer Care
To address challenges ① through ③ below, a working group (WG) of experts from all participating universities will collaborate to promote the development of specialized medical professionals from various disciplines, the establishment of a sustainable educational system, and the standardization and quality improvement of cancer care.
① Fostering medical professionals capable of addressing the challenges emerging in clinical settings
Pain and Treatment Care
Radiation Oncologist
Pathologist
Interdisciplinary Oncology
Cancer Pharmacotherapy
Hematologic Malignancy
Pediatric Cancer, Rare Cancer
Oral Cancer, Oncologic Oral Supportive Care
② Fostering medical professionals capable of promoting cancer prevention
Medical Big Data and Preventive Medicine
Genetics Specialist
Care for Cancer Survivors
Fostering medical professionals who can adapt to the development of new therapeutic methods
Personalized Medicine
New Drug Development and Drug Discovery Research
Specialist pharmacists in CAR-T therapy and other areas
From the application submitted to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the FY2017 University Education Rebuilding Strategy Promotion Fund, for the "Program for Developing 'Cancer Professionals' to Meet Diverse and Emerging Needs."
Initiatives of Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences offers the following two courses to enhance its program offerings.
1. Oncologic Pharmacy Course (Doctoral Programs)
Although there have been remarkable advances in cancer treatment, curing refractory or advanced cancers remains a significant challenge. This course aims to train researchers and pharmacists who can propose new cancer therapies by providing them with the latest knowledge in basic and clinical oncology. In particular, students will learn about bioinformatics, as exemplified by genomic medicine; the use of big data with AI; and new immunotherapies. The goal is to foster cancer specialist pharmacists with a strong research mindset who can translate their findings into clinical practice, as well as cancer researchers with a strong clinical mindset who can solve questions arising from clinical practice through research.
Features of This Course
Providing medical ethics education through introductory lectures on clinical research in the first year
Taking courses that incorporate bioinformatics, as exemplified by genomic medicine
Taking courses that include lectures and interactive case conferences on themes such as cancer prevention, cancer care, and living with cancer
Taking lectures and programs offered by the participating universities and their graduate schools in this consortium as part of the curriculum
Undertaking clinical training in oncology at advanced cancer care facilities in Japan and overseas clinical training at affiliated hospitals of Faculty of Pharmacy international partner institutions
2. Practical Cancer Pharmacotherapy Course (Intensive Course)
We train personnel to practice advanced medical care in clinical oncology settings. Furthermore, we also conduct clinical research activities and aim to cultivate oncologist pharmacists with a strong research mindset.
Features of This Course
Acceptance of working pharmacists who aspire to practice advanced medical care and cultivate a research mindset.
Conducting clinical oncology training at advanced cancer medical facilities in Japan.
Taking courses that incorporate bioinformatics, such as genomic medicine.
Holding "Cancer Professional Training Seminars," inviting physicians and pharmacists in cancer care for case studies and presentations on the latest cancer treatments and medical services tailored to patient backgrounds, based on actual cases.
Earning credits toward professional and certified qualifications in oncology by attending the "Cancer Professional Training Seminar."
Taking lectures and programs offered by the participating universities and their graduate schools in this consortium.
Contact Us
Keio University University Shiba-Kyoritsu Campus Office of Student Services, Office of the Graduate School and the Cancer Professional Program
1-5-30, Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512