Cancer
Methods for prevention and early detection of cancer and for early diagnosis of
recurrence using multiomics data in addition to whole genome data will be
established, and research and development of new treatment methods, including
immunotherapy, will be carried out, with the aim of achieving new, personalized
medical care.
(a) Prevention methods
Effective cancer prevention methods with few side effects will be established by
using whole genome analysis data.
Example: Prevention by pre-emptive medical care
Every day, the body produces many cells with genome mutations that can
become the cause of cancer. These cells are removed by the body’s own
immune system, and they progress to clinical cancer when this immune
system fails. It has so far been considered difficult to achieve medical care
that prevents this failure of the immune system, but methods to control
immunosuppression while avoiding exhaustion of the immune response will
be established through the use of whole genome analysis data, thus
preventing the onset of clinical cancer.
(b) Methods for early detection and early diagnosis of recurrence
Simple, inexpensive methods for early detection and early diagnosis of
recurrence of cancer that combine whole genome analysis with the development
of innovative biomarkers will be established.
Example: Large-scale comparative study using a prospective screening
cohort with liquid biopsy
Research will be carried out with the aim of dramatic improvement in the cure
rate of refractory cancers. Technology for reliable early detection of refractory
cancers such as pancreatic cancer will be established by combining disease
onset risk prediction using whole genome analysis with simple, inexpensive
liquid biopsy, and this technology will then be linked to medical treatment.
(c) Novel therapies
The aim will be to develop therapies capable of radical cure regardless of the
stage of the cancer, with a focus mainly on pediatric cancers, rare cancers, and
refractory cancers such as pancreatic cancer. Systems will be established for
high-quality diagnosis and treatment using joint drug discovery and joint clinical
studies through searching for innovative therapeutic targets that are conducted
all the way from basic to clinical research by academe and the corporate world,
as well as artificial intelligence, etc.
Examples:
• Development of immunotherapies based on whole genome analysis of
tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, etc.
• Development of personalized medical care and breakthrough new drugs
using multiomics data, including tumor microenvironment driver

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