Opening Up Great Therapeutic Possibilities from the Movement of Tiny Cells

This interview is a partially modified version of an article published in the winter 2025 issue (vol. 73) of "someone" (Leave a Nest Publishing), a booklet that conveys science to junior and senior high school students in a fun and easy-to-understand way, with the permission of the publisher.

In cancer treatment, radiation and anti-cancer drugs are used to destroy the DNA of cancer cells, activating the immune system to eliminate cancer cells from the body. However, the immune response sometimes weakens instead, and it was known that one cause is that macrophages, which are immune cells, change into a type that suppresses immunity.

To clarify the relationship between this mysterious phenomenon and DNA damage, Mr. Haruna conducted a detailed analysis at the genetic level of what happens inside cancer cells whose DNA has been destroyed by radiation. He discovered that part of the mechanism that works in the process of trying to repair damaged DNA is involved in regulating the immune response.

In the future, Mr. Haruna aims to make cancer treatment safer and more effective by further clarifying the relationship between DNA damage and the emergence of immunosuppressive macrophages.

"I want to reduce the number of people suffering from cancer." Motivated by the experience of losing his grandfather to cancer, Mr. Haruna entered the Faculty of Pharmacy.

While interacting with patients during university practical training, he realized the limitations of current treatments and the challenges in medical settings, leading him to pursue a career in research. "Only by elucidating the phenomena and mechanisms that occur within the body can we clarify the reasons why certain drugs and treatments are effective, which also leads to peace of mind regarding those treatments."

He is advancing his research through repeated hypothesis and verification, focusing on phenomena occurring in the body, the movement of individual cells, and communication between cells. "It's interesting precisely because things don't always go according to hypothesis," says Mr. Haruna, whose dream is to propose new treatments and improve current ones.

"I want to make it something that more patients can benefit from." Designing future treatments. Mr. Haruna will continue to take steady steps toward that goal.

Q. What does pharmacy mean to you?

A. Beyond continuous learning, there comes a moment when you can become a source of strength for someone.

Website of the Division of Molecular Oncology, where Mr. Haruna belongs 

*Mr. Haruna was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Molecular Oncology in April 2026.

List of interviews with Faculty of Pharmacy faculty and students published in past issues of "someone"