November 16, 2011
School of Medicine, Kochi
 

Millions of people succumb to cancer every year.
 

The most common forms of cancer affect the lungs, stomach, liver, colon and breasts.
 

Tobacco use is the single most deadly risk factor that causes cancer. Other behavioural and dietary risk factors include high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity and use of alcohol.
 

Scientists around the world are engaged in research to combat cancer.
 

One such group is at Mie University’s Graduate School of Medicine located in the Mie prefecture of Japan.
 

Recently the multi-disciplinary team from Mie visited Amrita to provide an overview of the latest advances in treatment and care of cancer.
 

The team included Yoshihiro Komada, Professor of Pediatrics; Waro Taki, Professor of Neurosurgery and Motomu Shimaoka, Professor of Molecular Pathology.
 

In addition, Hiroki Hori, Professor of Medical Education and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology was joined by Haruyuki Takagi, Assistant Professor of Interventional Radiology and Radiofrequency Ablation.
 

Highlighting the significance of implementing nation-wide multi-institutional studies, Dr. Komada said, “Both basic and clinical research is mandatory to improve treatment outcomes.”
 

Different types of neuro-interventions, especially those used in cases of stroke and aneurysms, were discussed in detail by Dr. Taki.
 

Dr. Takagi elaborated on advantages of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of liver cancer.
 

“Radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasive and effective especially for small tumors,” he said. “Hepatocellular carcinoma can be treated effectively with radiofrequency ablation.”
 

The Mie team invited medical students from Amrita to come to Japan for higher studies.