Overview
Mid-West Japan Hereditary Tumor Cohort collects clinical information and DNA samples through collaborating medical institutions (51 institutions participating as of September 2024). Clinical information includes individuals with hereditary tumors and their families, including assessments of related tumor incidence rates, survival rates, management, quality of life after risk-reducing surgery, and genomic epidemiologic analyses. Participants will be followed annually for clinical information such as disease incidence and genetic test results. DNA samples are stored, with names and other personal information removed. Sample data will be made available to other researchers who aim to advance genomic medicine and develop new clinical approaches.
Objectives
- Our study is designed to build evidence for optimal care by creating a system that provides detailed and careful support over time.
- This project aims to establish hereditary tumor care as regional medicine.
Background
Approximately 10% of cancers are known to be caused by genetic factors, generally referred to as hereditary tumors. While research into the causative genes for hereditary tumors may lead to cancer prevention in some cases, data on the Japanese population is still insufficient. Genetic information is your valuable data, but it's not yours alone. It's shared with blood relatives and within your community. Proper testing of genetic information that indicates a predisposition to cancer (variants of hereditary tumor-related genes) can enable cancer prevention not only for you but also for your blood relatives. Hereditary tumor care can be considered the ultimate form of regional and family medicine.
Glossary
- 1）Cohort study: A cohort refers to a group. In a cohort study, a group of research subjects is observed and followed over time to determine whether the presence or absence of certain factors is associated with the development or prevention of disease.
- 2）Variant: A characteristic of a gene. Genetic testing aims to identify alterations (characteristics) in the DNA nucleotide sequences or structures by comparing the genes of the person being tested with representative genes. These alterations (characteristics) are called variants. Some variants can cause disease, while others fall within the range of individual differences.
- 3）OKADAI BIOBANK: Okayama University Hospital has established the OKADAI BIOBANK (https://biobank.ccsv.okayama-u.ac.jp/) to manage and utilize patients' biological samples and medical information with the aim of providing advanced medical care.
Call for Collaborating Institutions
If you are interested in participating in the Mid-West Japan Hereditary Tumor Cohort Study or the Hereditary Tumor Expert Panel, please contact us at the following address:
Contact Information
Department: Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
Contact Person: Prof. Akira Hirasawa
Phone (Hospital): +81-86-223-7151 (Main)
Email: cgm@okayama-u.ac.jp (Department Office)
