Cancer
The number of cancer patients is increasing year by year, becoming a significant issue affecting the medical, economic, and social spheres. Multidisciplinary research is needed, including treatment methods, prevention, and support measures. Here, we introduce the research being undertaken by the University of Hyogo to improve patients' quality of life and reduce the burden on society.
Supporting treatment choices that are acceptable from a nursing perspective
Yuko Kawasaki
Professor, College of Nursing Art and Science
I am researching patient-centered support methods, focusing on treating cancer patients and the impact on their lives afterward. The impetus for my research was the experience of encountering situations in clinical practice where patients could not fully express their wishes when receiving treatment. While many patients receive the treatment recommended by medical professionals, I was concerned that there were patients who suffered declining quality of life after treatment. I sought ways to improve this.
Specifically, I considered ways to support patients in making decisions about their treatment from the perspective of nurses. I organized the skills needed to support decision-making, and created a guidebook for nurses to help patients make treatment choices they agree with.
I am also developing an app to support cancer patients in making treatment choices. By answering questions in the app, patients can clarify their values regarding treatment and share them with medical professionals. The aim is to support patients in choosing a treatment that they themselves are satisfied with. There are still issues regarding linking with medical records and the risk of information leaks, so I am trying various approaches to improve the app.
In the field of cancer treatment, treatment is becoming more personalized, and it is important to provide treatment support that considers the values and lifestyles of patients. In this context, this research contributes to the realization of support that enables each patient to make treatment choices based on their values and also considers their life after treatment.
In the future, I aim to incorporate evolving informatics technology in cancer nursing and further develop patient-centered support methods.
Expanding Research
Basic research aiming to revolutionize cancer treatment
Hiderou Yoshida
Professor, Graduate School of Science
I am currently working to elucidate the mechanism of action of OSW-1. This compound is attracting attention as a potential new anticancer drug: it induces cell death only in cancer cells, with almost no effect on normal cells. However, the mechanism of action of OSW-1 is still largely unknown, and in particular, the mechanism by which it affects only cancer cells is a mystery. In recent years, it has been suggested that the Golgi apparatus, which can be thought of as a factory within the cell, may be involved in this mechanism. It is believed that OSW-1 causes cancer cell death by acting on the Golgi apparatus. If we can elucidate this mechanism, it may lead to the development of new anticancer drugs with fewer side effects, which would revolutionize cancer treatment. In addition, by further understanding the function of the Golgi apparatus, there may be applications in treating diseases other than cancer. I believe that uncovering the mechanisms of cells will lead to advances in medicine, and I am working hard on my research every day. I am aiming for a future where this research brings hope to many patients.
Establishing a method of preventing colorectal cancer by focusing on lipids and intestinal bacteria
Masaru Yoshida
Professor, School of Human Science and Environment
The number of patients with colorectal cancer is increasing in Japan. It is considered that colorectal cancer is related to lipids and intestinal bacteria, but the detailed mechanism is still not yet well understood. Therefore, we are conducting molecular biological research in our laboratory to clarify how colorectal cancer is related to lipids and intestinal bacteria. We are investigating and analyzing intestinal proteins and bacteria in the feces of mice fed a diet high in lipids. Our previous research has shown that a diet high in fat increases the number of intestinal bacteria and proteins, increasing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases and cancer while reducing the number of bacteria that help to maintain the intestinal environment and proteins that suppress cancer. We hope to contribute to cancer prevention by clarifying how diet and intestinal bacteria are involved in the development of colorectal cancer.
Focus on Person
Applying the real will of patients to care
I am researching communication in decision-making surrounding cancer patients, particularly in the context of advanced care planning (ACP). ACP is a process in which medical staff, patients, and family members regularly discuss and share their thoughts on treatment and care. While working as a nurse in a clinical setting, I realized that nurses are not always able to pick up on patients' concerns and incorporate them into their care, which led me to focus on ACP. I want to conduct research that clarifies the experiences and clues to the care of patients so that treatment and care that reflects patients' will can be provided.
Applying the real will of patients to care
Satomi Yamashita
1st year master's program student, Graduate School of Nursing Art and Science
Bringing new hope to people fighting cancer
Inspired by my interest in the molecular mechanisms of the human body and the experience of having a close family member fall ill, I decided to get involved in basic research in the medical field. I am currently researching a substance that is expected to be a new anticancer drug. In my research, there have been many cases where the experimental results have differed from the hypothesis, but this has also led to discoveries and expanded the scope of my research. In the future, I would like to contribute to creating new cancer treatments and helping people fight various diseases.
Bringing new hope to people fighting cancer
Yasuka Kawamoto
4th year student, School of Science