The 36th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Gastroenterological Carcinogenesis

Program

The 36th Japanese Society for Gastroenterological Carcinogenesis —Program

(Updates will be posted as they become available.)

 

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Special Lecture — “Precision Surgery” Pursued by the Japan Surgical Society

Tue., December 16 | 13:30–13:50 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

  • Chair: Mitsuo Shimada — Tokushima University
  • Speaker: Akinobu Taketomi — Japan Surgical Society / Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine

Ōhara Takeshi Award Lecture

Wed., December 17 | 13:30–13:50 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

  • Chair: Tohru Utsunomiya — Oita Prefectural Hospital

Tahara Eiichi Award Lecture

Wed., December 17 | 13:55–14:15 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

  • Chair: TBD

Research Encouragement Award Presentations

Tue., December 16 | 13:55–15:05 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

  • Chairs:
    • Keishi Sugimachi — Dept. of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Kyushu Cancer Center
    • Yoshifumi Baba — Dept. of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The University of Tokyo

International Symposium

Deciphering Cancer Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment to Prevent Malignancies

Wed., December 17 | 15:40–17:30 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

  • Chairs:
    • Masahide Takahashi — International Center for Regenerative Medicine, Fujita Health University
    • Tetsuo Noda — Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research
  • Speakers:
    • Sudhir Srivastava — National Cancer Institute
    • Shyam　Probhakar — Genome Institute of Singapore
    • Kazufumi Honda — Department of Molecular Prevention, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School / Department of Molecular Prevention, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School
    • Koji Ueda — Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research

Joint Session with the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO)

Tue., December 16 | 11:30–12:30 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

  • Chairs:
    • Takayuki Yoshino — National Cancer Center Hospital East
    • Kazuko Sakai— Dept. of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University

Joint Session with the Japanese Cancer Association (JCA)

Tue., December 16 | 15:10–16:10 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

  • Chairs:
    • Noriko Goto — Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University
    • Shinji Tanaka — School of Medicine, Institute of Science Tokyo, Molecular Oncology

Symposium

Symposium 1 — Applications of Generative AI in Gastrointestinal Cancer Care

Tue., December 16 | 09:10–10:20 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

Session Rationale:
Generative AI is increasingly applied to surgical oncology for the digestive system—spanning image interpretation, preoperative simulation, case analysis, patient communication, and document drafting. This symposium shares current capabilities, potential, and challenges, and discusses clinical implementation and future directions. We welcome proposals grounded in frontline surgical practice, applied experiences, or forward-looking initiatives.

  • Chairs:
    • Shumpei Ishikawa — The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Medicine / National Cancer Center, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC)
    • Mitsuro Kanda — Dept. of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University

Symposium 2 — Toward Future Personalized Surgery Integrating Genomics, Multi‑Omics, and Robotics

Tue., December 16 | 09:10–10:20 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
We consider the future of precision surgery driven by cancer biology and technology—integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiling with advances in surgical robotics. Topics span preoperative diagnosis and decision‑making based on molecular profiles, AI‑assisted intraoperative navigation for safe and precise procedures, and individualized postoperative care. Submissions are invited from basic, clinical, developmental, and applied perspectives.

  • Chairs:
    • Yasuhito Tanaka — Dept. of Gastroenterology, Kumamoto University
    • Hideki Ohdan — Dept. of Gastroenterological & Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University

Symposium 3 — Realizing Personalized Medicine Using Patient‑Derived Organoids (PDOs)

Tue., December 16 | 13:55–15:05 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
PDOs recapitulate patient‑specific tumor features in 3D and are emerging as a platform for drug sensitivity testing and biomarker discovery. We will share the latest technologies, clinical applications, and challenges, and discuss pathways to implementation in gastrointestinal oncology—from basic research to clinical translation and drug discovery.

  • Chairs:
    • Takatsugu Ishimoto — Division of Carcinogenesis Research, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR)
    • Daisuke Ichikawa — First Department of Surgery, University of Yamanashi
  • Special Remarks:
    • Masanobu Oshima — Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University

Symposium 4 — New Challenges and Horizons in Cancer Immunotherapy

Wed., December 17 | 09:10–10:20 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

Session Rationale:
While immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed care across many solid tumors, responses vary widely by tumor type and patient. Emerging avenues include remodeling the tumor microenvironment, combination immunotherapies, novel biomarker discovery, and individualized immune strategies. We will examine advances and translational potential in gastrointestinal oncology from diverse clinical and basic viewpoints.

  • Chairs:
    • Yuichiro Doki — Dept. of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University
    • Yosuke Togashi — Okayama University
  • Special Remarks:
    • Hisahiro Matsubara — Disease Prevention Center, Sanmu Medical Center

Symposium 5 — Single‑Cell Analysis and the Tumor Microenvironment

Wed., December 17 | 09:10–10:20 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
With advances in single‑cell technologies, we are uncovering cellular heterogeneity and interactions within the tumor microenvironment that shape progression and therapeutic resistance. This symposium shares state‑of‑the‑art findings—immune–stromal–cancer cell crosstalk, identification of novel targets—and discusses clinical translation.

  • Chairs:
    • Akira Orimo — Dept. of Pathology & Oncology, Juntendo University School of Medicine
    • Teppei Shimamura — Research Institute for Intractable Diseases, Institute of Science Tokyo　
  • Special Remarks:
    • Hiroyuki Aburatani — Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo

Symposium 6 — Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) and Tumorigenesis

Wed., December 17 | 14:20–15:30 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

Session Rationale:
ecDNA is gaining attention as a mechanism of oncogene amplification and transcriptional dysregulation. ecDNA harboring genes such as MYC or EGFR influences drug resistance, immune evasion, heterogeneity, and aggressiveness. We will discuss formation mechanisms, functional roles, diagnostic/therapeutic applications, and—above all—their clinical significance.

  • Chairs:
    • Tatsuhiro Shibata — Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo (IMSUT)
    • Hajime Otsu — Dept. of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital

Symposium 7 — Toward Cure in Hepato‑Biliary‑Pancreatic (HBP) Cancers

Wed., December 17 | 14:20–15:30 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
For HBP cancers with persistently poor prognoses, we will examine curative strategies: site‑specific surgery plus perioperative therapy, chemotherapy, targeted agents, immunotherapy, and other multimodal approaches; biomarker‑guided and genomics‑informed personalization; and the practical boundaries and possibilities of “cure,” especially in older patients.

  • Chairs:
    • Tomoharu Yoshizumi —Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University
    • Koichi Tsuneyama  — Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School

Panel Discussions

Panel 1 — Gene Editing & Cell Therapy: Technology and Clinical Translation

Tue., December 16 | 10:25–11:25 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

Session Rationale:
Progress in gene editing (e.g., CRISPR‑Cas9) and cellular therapies (e.g., CAR‑T, TCR‑engineered T cells) is opening new therapeutic avenues. We will review development trends, hurdles to clinical application, and prospects in gastrointestinal oncology.

  • Chairs:
    • Yutaka Suzuki  — Life Science Data Research Center, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
    • Hiroshi Seno — Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine

Panel 2 — Clinical Application of Cancer‑Cell Visualization Technologies

Tue., December 16 | 10:25–11:25 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
Visualization technologies—fluorescent probes, molecular imaging, AI‑assisted image analysis—are pivotal for early detection and precise resection. We will share cutting‑edge methods, current clinical use, and future prospects from basic research through clinical deployment.

  • Chairs:
    • Yasuteru Urano — The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Graduate School of Medicine
    • Hidetoshi Eguchi — Dept. of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University

Panel 3 — Somatic Mosaicism and Gastrointestinal Cancer

Tue., December 16 | 15:10–16:10 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

Session Rationale:
Somatic mosaicism—postzygotic mutations confined to specific cell populations—may affect risk and treatment resistance in gastrointestinal cancers. We will discuss detection technologies, clinical relevance, and disease associations.

  • Chairs:
    • Seishi Ogawa — Pathology and Tumor Biology,
    • Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
    • Tetsuo Takehara — Kansai Rosai Hospital

Panel 4 — Toward Curative Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Wed., December 17 | 10:25–11:25 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

Session Rationale:
We will explore contemporary curative strategies in gastric cancer—endoscopic therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy—and how to improve outcomes while preserving quality of life through precision medicine and biomarker use.

  • Chairs:
    • Atsushi Kaneda — Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University
    • Yoshihiro Kakeji — Kobe University Graduate School

Panel 5 — The Cancer Microbiome

Wed., December 17 | 10:25–11:25 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
The microbiome—especially the gut flora—affects oncogenesis, progression, and therapeutic response, including interactions with immune checkpoint inhibitors and associations with postoperative complications and prognosis. We will discuss latest findings and clinical prospects across disciplines.

  • Chairs:
    • Nobuhisa Matsuhashi — Dept. of Gastrointestinal surgery･Pediatric surgery, Gifu University
    • Shinichi Yachida — Dept. of Cancer Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University

Workshops

Workshop 1 — How Do Genomic Abnormalities Alter the Morphology of Gastrointestinal Tumors?

Tue., December 16 | 11:30–12:30 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
Genomic alterations—including mutations and structural variants—profoundly shape histologic patterns, differentiation, and invasion. With multi‑omics and spatial transcriptomics, links between morphology and genotype are being clarified. We will deepen discussion from pathology, molecular biology, and clinical viewpoints.

  • Chairs:
    • Toshiro Sato — Department of Integrated Medicine and Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine
    • Shinichi Aishima — Department of Scientific Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

Workshop 2 — Clinical Applications of Liquid Biopsy

Tue., December 16 | 16:15–17:15 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

Session Rationale:
Liquid biopsy—assessing ctDNA/cfDNA, exosomes, and circulating tumor cells—offers noninvasive tools for early detection, relapse prediction, therapy monitoring, and resistance mechanisms. We will discuss technological advances, implementation challenges, and clinical exemplars.

  • Chairs:
    • Masaaki Iwatsuki  — Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kumamoto University
    • Eiji Oki — Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

Workshop 3 — Diagnostics and Therapeutics Targeting Epigenomic Alterations

Tue., December 16 | 16:15–17:15 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
Aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications are key in oncogenesis. We will cover early‑detection biomarkers based on epigenomic changes and therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic enzymes, with a view toward clinical application.

  • Chairs:
    • Sachiyo Nomura — Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University
    • Hiromu Suzuki — Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine

Workshop 4 — Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Cancer Genomics 

Wed., December 17 | 11:30–12:30 | Hall 1, International Conference Hall (4F)

Session Rationale:
Whole‑genome sequencing (WGS) is revealing drivers, structural variants, repeat regions, and roles of non‑coding elements previously missed. We will introduce new characteristics uncovered by WGS and discuss clinical applications for personalized care and prognosis.

  • Chairs:
    • Masayuki Watanabe — Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Cancer Institute Hospital Of JFCR
    • Mitsuhiro Fujishiro — Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo Hospital

Workshop 5 — The Science of Cancer Stem Cells in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Wed., December 17 | 11:30–12:30 | Hall 2, Large Conference Room (7F)

Session Rationale:
Cancer arises through pre‑cancer and subclinical stages, with cancer stem cells central from initiation to maintenance, recurrence, and metastasis. We focus on molecular changes at initiation, visualization of disease states, and intervention opportunities—from basic to translational and clinical research.

  • Chairs:
    • Keiichi Nakayama — Advanced Research Division, Institute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science Tokyo
    • Toshiyoshi Fujiwara — Dept. of Gastroenterological Surgery, Division of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University