2021 Volume 58 Issue 5 Pages 331-339
In recent years, the treatment results for childhood cancer have significantly improved and the five-year survival rate has reached 80% or higher. However, cancer remains the leading cause of death, and complications may threaten life and degrade the quality of life for a long time after treatment. By the development of biomarkers useful for treatment stratification and therapeutic agents based on genomic information, immune cell therapy, and functional repair and treatment with regenerative medicine, safer and more effective treatments are expected. On the other hand, a long-term cohort study based on the childhood cancer registry is desired. Establishing standard treatment for the adolescent and young adult (AYA) generation, that has a poor prognosis for many childhood cancers, is also an issue which should be solved in collaboration with adult clinical trial groups. Regarding the research system, Japan Children’s Cancer Group has established data centers, a series of centralized diagnostic system for immunological data, genetic profiles, pathological data, and imaging data, and a sample storage system. Regarding the medical system, a regional cooperation system centered on childhood cancer core hospitals is being developed, but it is also necessary in the near future to review the medical system in response to the steadily declining birthrate. The goal of medical care is not only to cure the disease but also to support the healthy growth and development and independence of AYA patients. Sharing decision making with patients and their families is important, and it is desirable to promote the participation of patients and people involved in research and development.
