Japan to Pick 11 Centers for Genome-Based Cancer Treatment

Tokyo, Feb. 14 (Jiji Press)--The health ministry plans to designate a total of 11 hospitals in the seven regions of Japan as regional centers for genome-based cancer treatment, it was learned Wednesday. At a meeting on the day, a panel of experts recommended to the ministry the 11 institutions chosen from among the 23 hospitals that applied for the status by the end of last year. The 11 centers are expected to find partner hospitals in their respective regions in a month and will start in April the project to provide personalized cancer treatment using the genetic information of patients. The 11 are Hokkaido University Hospital, Tohoku University Hospital, National Cancer Center Hospital, National Cancer Center Hospital East, the University of Tokyo Hospital, Keio University Hospital, Nagoya University Hospital, Kyoto University Hospital, Osaka University Hospital, Okayama University Hospital and Kyushu University Hospital. The designations as genome-based cancer treatment centers are set to expire in two years. The ministry is considering making the treatment available in more medical facilities after the two-year period. In the cutting-edge cancer treatment, cancer patients will first be screened for genetic defects with equipment called sequencers. Expert panels mainly at the core hospitals will examine the test results and set treatment plans after informing patients of the results. Currently, the genetic screening is not covered by the public medical insurance system. The ministry, however, plans to shortly make some cases covered using a framework that extends medical insurance coverage to advanced medical care. Meanwhile, a related genome information management center will be set up at the National Cancer Center. The ministry aims to open the new facility in a few months. END