Tohru Masui

Union for International Cancer Control International Session: Healthcare Economics: The significance of the UN summit non‐communicable diseases political declaration in Asia

The Japan National Committee for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and UICC‐Asia Regional Office (ARO) organized an international session as part of the official program of the 71st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association to discuss the topic “Healthcare Economics: The Significance of the UN Summit non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) Political Declaration in Asia.” The presenters and participants discussed the growing cost of cancer in the Asian region and the challenges that are faced by the countries of Asia, all of which face budgetary and other systemic constraints in tackling and controlling cancer in the region. The session benefited from the participation of various stakeholders, including cancer researchers and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry. They discussed the significance of the UN Political Declaration on the prevention and control of NCDs (2011) as a means of boosting awareness of cancer in the Asian region and also addressed the ways in which stakeholders can cooperate to improve cancer control and treatment. Other issues that were covered included challenges relating to pharmaceutical trials in Asia and how to link knowledge and research outcomes. The session concluded with the recognition that with the onset of a super‐aged society in most countries in Asia and an increasing focus on quality of life rather than quantity of life, it is more important than ever for all stakeholders to continue to share information and promote policy dialogue on cancer control and treatment.

Abstract 4454: Global health as the key to a new paradigm in cancer research

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Promoting perceptions of cancer as an integral part of the global health agenda will help to focus attention on the ever-present and growing threat of cancer, particularly in emerging economies, many of which are in Asia. It is imperative that a blueprint for the future direction for cancer research is founded in the global health context and aimed squarely at overcoming health disparities. As part of its ongoing initiatives the Asia Cancer Forum (ACF) implemented a questionnaire survey targeting cancer specialists, entitled “Survey on Inclusion of Cancer in the Global Health Agenda.” Following up on the survey results gathered at the AACR, the Asia Cancer Forum is committed to creating a common awareness among cancer researchers about the imperative of tackling cancer in the global health context. The outcomes of the UN Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases in September 2011 should be harnessed to give further impetus to a future direction for cancer research. It is therefore essential for an academic basis to be laid out for global health that provides definitions and common language for stakeholders. The ACF is seeking to support the creation of an academic platform, or Global Collaborative Cancer Studies, as a means of further promoting the concept of global health in the cancer research community. Global health is founded on concepts of equality and human rights and universities are therefore ideally positioned to promote multi-disciplinary collaborations between science and the humanities. The knowledge created through collaborative studies could also be utilized to inform policymaking and identify new ways to tackle the existing challenges presented by increasing costs and aging populations in developed societies. Given cultural and historical differences the situation surrounding cancer varies significantly from country to country, with health disparities being particularly apparent in the Asian region. By linking universities in global collaborative efforts we can ensure a bottom-up approach to global health that brings together diverse communities. Given the downturn in the global economy we cannot expect that funding for programs to tackle NCDs will be forthcoming. It is therefore imperative to establish a network for assistance to developing countries that is based on our own experiences of overcoming challenges to create successful outcomes. A major challenge is to implement clinical trials in emerging economies, which will require the provision of technical assistance and stronger links between pharmaceutical companies and cancer researchers in emerging economies. The ACF is continuing its research activities on perceptions of cancer among the research community, seeking to build a global network that will overcome health disparities. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4454. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4454

Abstract 1840: What are the implications for cancer research of placing cancer on the global health agenda

Unlike infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and malaria, which are recognized as issues on the global health agenda, cancer has yet to be given its rightful position as a global health issue of pressing importance. This is due to perceptions of cancer as being a disease of the industrialized world, and one that affects individuals as a result of lifestyle choices. The Asia Cancer Forum is engaged in efforts to raise awareness among specialists of the importance of placing cancer on the global health agenda. Recently the global health implications of cancer have been gaining international attention and momentum is growing toward concerted global action against cancer. As part of its ongoing initiatives the Asia Cancer Forum implemented a questionnaire survey targeting cancer specialists, entitled “Survey on Inclusion of Cancer in the Global Health Agenda.” The survey was implemented at the 101 st Annual Meeting of the AACR and at the World Cancer Congress UICC 2010. The responses received from these surveys showed a number of divergent views, which underline the need to establish shared recognition among cancer specialists. Asked why cancer is not yet included in the global health agenda, respondents mentioned the following: (1) there are too many targets; (2) cancer is a disease that affects individuals; (3) Cancer is an issue for individual countries to address; (4) cancer requires enormous budgetary provision; and (5) there is insufficient global data. These responses encapsulate the challenges for cancer research. In contrast to measures implemented to date for tackling infectious diseases, which have been discussed in linear terms, the global challenge of cancer requires a multi-layered response. Cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care vary from country to country, and strategies for combating cancer therefore exist on multiple levels. To truly combat cancer in the global sense it is therefore essential to gain broad participation of cancer researchers. Given the limitations for medical treatment in the context of international aid, it is important to create a framework whereby the benefit of solutions to common challenges can be enjoyed by both the developing and industrialized world. Research is now tending to concentrate on increasingly specialized areas, making it all too easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Placing cancer on the global health agenda will help to demonstrate how cancer research can contribute to the wellbeing of humanity as a whole. Following up on the valuable survey results gathered at the AACR in 2010, the Asia Cancer Forum is committed to creating a common awareness among cancer researchers about the tremendous value for society of placing their work and achievements in a global health context. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1840. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1840

Cellular and Molecular Studies of Growth, Differentiation and Neoplastic Transformation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells in Vitro

Normal human cells in vitro appear to retain many normal phenotypic properties, remain diploid, eventually undergo senescence and rarely, if ever “spontaneously” transform to malignant cells. Retained properties may include synthesis of classes of proteins associated with specific cell types such as collagens, keratins, or melanin; responsiveness to hormones; and antigenic specificity. In addition, human cells with abnormal phenotypes such as either enzymatic deficits or malignant properties frequently maintain these phenotype in vitro. Human cells cultured in vitro have thus proven to be extremely useful to scientists studying the molecular and biochemical aspects of human carcinogenesis. Such studies have been facilitated by the recent development of improved methods for culturing normal human epithelial tissues and cells1. Chemically defined media have been developed for culturing many of these tissues and cells from normal organs, including those with a high rate of cancer in humans. Serum-free media have several advantages in studies of cultured human cells, including: (a) less experimental variability compared to serum-containing media; (b) selective growth conditions for normal cells of different types (e.g. epithelial versus fibroblastic) or for normal versus malignant cells; (c) ease of identification of growth factors, inhibitors of growth, and inducers of differentiation; and (d) ease of isolating and analyzing secreted cellular products. Advances in cell biology, including the delineation of biochemical and morphological markers of specific cell types, have also facilitated the identification of cells in vitro (including keratins as markers for epithelial cells and collagen types I and III for identifying fibroblasts). These advances have created experimental approaches to answering critical questions in human cell carcinogenesis1,2.