Juntendo University, Tokyo, established in 1838.

Department of Pathology and Oncology is one of the basic medical research departments of Juntendo University School of Medicine. We conduct cutting-edge cancer biology research aimed at deepening the molecular-level understanding of cancer development, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Moreover, we aim to improve existing treatments and develop novel therapeutic approaches. The graduate program is offered under Department of Molecular Pathogenesis in the Graduate School of Medicine.

Countless research efforts are being made at universities, hospitals, and companies both within Japan and abroad to conquer cancer. Consequently, the evolution of cancer treatments and therapeutic drugs is remarkable. Currently, however, there are still many challenges that cannot be solved even with the collective wisdom of humanity, and unfortunately, one in two people will develop cancer in Japan today. One of the reasons for this is that solid cancer that develops in organs are not formed solely by cancer cells−cells that have undergone malignant transformation. Instead, solid cancers, or tumors, form complex cancer tissue involving various non-cancer cells that are present at the site of origin and those recruited from the surrounding areas and the immune system. Such processes result in the formation of so-called the tumor microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment provides a favorable environment for cancer growth and aids tumor growth through angiogenesis. Non-cancer cells are collectively referred to as stromal cells, and a major component of these cells are fibroblasts. The stroma is formed by stromal cells and proteins, such as collagens, that are mainly produced by fibroblasts and create the molecular scaffold for the microenvironment, and acts to protect cancer cells from anticancer drugs, thus hindering the efficacy of chemotherapy. The tumor microenvironment is intrinsically related to the challenges of cancer, represented by its heterogeneity and ability to resist treatment.

Department of Pathology and Oncology focuses on solid tumors that develop in organs. We are conducting basic research aimed at deepening our understanding of the interactions between cancer cells and non-cancer cells, such as fibroblasts, in the tumor microenvironment−an area considered particularly challenging due to its complexity and heterogeneity. Furthermore, we work closely with many clinical departments at Juntendo University School of Medicine and Juntendo University Hospital. By collaborating with physicians and surgeons who treat patients with cancer daily, we perform our investigation with a hope of contributing to the clinical practice and patient treatment.

Department of Pathology and Oncology conducts research with a robust instructional system comprising a professor, three associate professors, and two assistant professors as of April 2025. Because academic and research backgrounds of the faculty members are diverse, the strength of our laboratory is to combine their research expertise and experience to carry out innovative and unique studies on various types of cancer. This environment allows graduate students from different academic backgrounds to pursue their research on equal footing, creating a rewarding atmosphere for all. The department welcomes a wide range of graduate students, including those who work as medical doctors or clinical laboratory technician and those who work for a company. Many full-time graduate students from non-medical school are enrolled. Additionally, the department hosts numerous international graduate students, further enriching the academic environment. Also, many medical school students of Juntendo University join research activities in our laboratory.

Applied research aimed at developing treatments and therapeutic drugs is built upon the results of steady basic research. Therefore, we are diligently and actively conducting research with the belief that we advance meaningful fundamental research that can serve as a foundation for applied research beneficial to people and society.

RECRUITMENT

• We are actively recruiting graduate students for both Master's and Doctoral programs. Our department welcomes medical school graduates, graduates from other fields, Japanese students, and international students equally. We also offer graduate programs in English.
• We also welcome excellent post-doctoral researchers and researchers working at companies.
  If you are interested in joining us, contact by email: aorimo{at}juntendo.ac.jp (replace {at} with @).