KITAHARA Shuji    Department   Graduate School of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medical Science    Position   Associate Professor (Fixed Term)
Language	Japanese
Title	From Morphology to Implementation: Next-Generation Integrated Therapies Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment
Presentation Type	Speech
Lecture Type	Special/Invited Lecture
Date	2026/03/23
Holding period	2026/03/23～2026/03/23
Summary	Cancer treatment often fails because the tumor microenvironment (TME) drives strong resistance. The TME is shaped by hypoxia, fibrosis, immunosuppression, and metabolic stress. Morphologically, it appears as a dense, high-resistance stroma formed by abnormal vascular networks and a fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM), promoting immune evasion and poor treatment response. This presentation outlines an integrated strategy that starts from structural and functional studies of the TME and extends to drug discovery, medical-device development, and new therapeutic concepts. It covers (1) target discovery for vascular and immune regulation, (2) focused ultrasound (HIFU) to remodel the stroma and improve treatment response, and (3) “targeted starvation therapy” using biocompatible hydrogel microparticles to physically restrict oxygen and nutrient supply. Finally, Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is incorporated to add ethical and social perspectives and to link R&D lessons—such as evaluation metrics and implementation barriers—to oncology policy, connecting real-world implementation with policy development.