Message
Message
Introduction
Director General, Cancer Research Institute,
Kanazawa University
Takeshi Suzuki
The Kanazawa University Cancer Research Institute (KU-CRI) was established in 1967 as the only institute solely dedicated to cancer research among the Research Institutes and Centers of Japan National Universities. Since then, our institute has made numerous pioneering contributions to the fields of basic and clinical cancer research. Our mission is to make a contribution towards the establishment of a healthy and long-lived society by overcoming cancer through the linkage of research outcomes to the development of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
Cancer is one of the most serious health problems in modern society, and many people suffer from this disease. In particular, the malignant progression of cancer, such as distant metastasis and recurrence due to drug resistance, is closely related to the decrease in survival rate. Therefore, understanding and controlling these aspects is considered essential for surmounting cancer. In recent years, advances in genome research and data science have provided a comprehensive catalog of gene mutations and gene expression abnormalities in cancer, significantly contributing to customized cancer treatment through appropriate selection of therapeutic drugs. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying malignant progression remains a challenge that requires resolution. To achieve a more profound comprehension of cancer progression, our institute has been arranged into three unique research programs: Cancer and Stem Cell, Cancer Microenvironment, Cancer Molecular Target Exploration, in conjunction with the Innovative Cancer Model Research Center. Recently, we have also been focusing on integrative research that encompasses interdisciplinary fields and innovative technologies to enhance and diversify our research. By means of these organizations and collaborations, we aspire to enrich our efforts to clarify the mechanism of cancer metastasis and drug resistance, accumulate innovative basic research achievements, and further strengthen our scientific expertise. Additionally, we actively pursue translational research such as drug discoveries and clinical trials based on our basic research, with the objective of ushering in a new era of cancer treatment that completely eradicates malignant diseases.
KU-CRI has been commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as a Joint Usage/Research Center on “Metastasis and Drug Resistance”. We are devoted to conducting advanced collaborative research with over 60 distinguished cancer researchers both domestically and internationally, as well as fostering networking within the cancer research community. Our institute comprises foreign faculty members and actively admits foreign students from overseas, with the mission of cultivating internationally active professional scientists with outstanding research skills and creativity.
KU-CRI will continue to promote the activities as a core research center to contribute to the future development of the cancer research community. We would be deeply grateful for your further understanding and support towards our activities.
Takeshi Suzuki
Director, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University