Gastrointestinal Oncology

Staff

17001 17003 17005

Deputy
Director
Hirofumi
Yasui, M.D.

Chief, Div. of
Gastrointestinal
Oncology and
Clinical Trial Coordination Office
Kentaro Yamazaki,
M.D., Ph.D.
Chief Oncologist for Head Region
Tomoya Yokota, M.D., Ph.D.
Chief Oncologist
for Digestive Tract Region
Takahiro Tsushima,
M.D., Ph.D.
Chief Oncologist for Biliary-Pancreatic Region
Hirotoshi
Ishiwatari,
M.D., Ph.D.
19001
Senior Staff,
Also Serving as Deputy
Chief, Chemotherapy Center
Satoshi
Hamauchi,
M.D.
 Senior
Staff
Takeshi
Kawakami,
M.D.
Senior Staff
Kotoe Oshima, M.D., Ph.D.
Senior
Staff for Biliary-Pancreatic Region
Akihiro Ohba,M.D.
Senior
Staff
Kunihiro
Fushiki, M.D.
Senior Staff
for Biliary-Pancreatic Region
Hiroki Sakamoto, M.D., Ph.D.
Senior
Staff
Rin
Inamoto,
M.D.
Chief
Resident
Naoya
Ishibashi,
M.D.
Chief
Resident 
Ryo Kawaura,
M.D., Ph.D.
Chief
Resident
Joji Muramatsu,
M.D., Ph.D.
   
Resident
Yuna
Onodera,
M.D.
Resident
Takaki
Okuyama,
M.D.
Tomomi
Yokoyama, M.D.
   

Features of Gastrointestinal Oncology

In general, gastroenterological medicine covers a wide rage of organs involved in digestion, starting from the head-and-neck region, where food enters and is swallowed, and extending to esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, colon and rectum. The Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology at a cancer hospital handles anti-cancer drug therapy (chemotherapy) for malignant tumors arising in these organs. Because anti-cancer drugs vary depending on the specific digestive organ they target, these treatments must be provided by specialists with ample expertise and experiences. Needless to mention drug therapies for unresectable or recurrent cancers, various other treatments are also provided here, such as adjuvant chemotherapy before or after surgery for complete cure, as well as concurrent chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Furthermore, all medical procedures—including supportive therapy for alleviating side effects from anti-cancer drugs and palliative care for various cancer symptoms—are provided at this division.

Features and Therapeutic Strategies of the Division at the SCC

“Medical oncologists,” who are the experts of drug therapies for cancers, are being in charge.

At the Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, all the doctors are the “medical oncologists” who are the experts of drug therapies for cancers. Based on their ample expertise and experience with anti-cancer drugs, they are providing the optimal cancer treatment customized for each patient.

We provide a cancer treatment proven to be “the best” through scientific evidence.

We provide drug therapies in accordance with established “standard cancer treatments.“ A standard cancer treatment represents the best available care for a patient, as it is backed by scientific evidence and proven to be the most effective option.

Managing side effects with supportive care.

Side effects of anti-cancer drugs vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as the type and dosage of the medication, alongside the patient’s age and weight, directly influence the frequency and severity of these symptoms. Skillfully managing these side effects is essential to ensuring that anti-cancer drug therapies can be safely and successfully continued. For side effects that are expected to occur frequently, we proactively implement preventive measures. Likewise, the timing, frequency, and severity of side effects are always carefully assessed for each patient to ensure optimal care.

In recent years, newly developed drugs have introduced a more diverse range of adverse events than before. This includes complex conditions such as skin disorders, ocular issues, oral ulcers, and hypertension. To manage these challenging cases, we utilize a multidisciplinary approach. A specialized team—comprising various medical specialists, pharmacists, and certified oncology nurses from the Divisions of Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry and Oral Surgery, and Cardiology—collaborates closely to provide comprehensive, targeted care.

Shaping future cancer care through clinical trials.

The progress of anti-cancer drugs never stops. Therefore, we strive not only to absorb the latest knowledge and information, but also to develop and establish new cancer treatments. We achieve this by actively participating in domestic and international multicenter clinical studies, as well as clinical trials for novel therapeutics developed by pharmaceutical companies.

A Word from the Division Staff

Anti-cancer medications are often viewed negatively; patients frequently worry about severe side effects or wonder if the treatment will be effective. It is true that except in specific cases, medication alone may not completely cure cancer, and patients must often learn to live with the disease. Our ultimate goal is to help you live a fulfilling, comfortable life for as long as possible.

While cancer therapies do cause side effects, these can be managed effectively with modern supportive care. Furthermore, anti-cancer treatments can actually help reduce the painful symptoms caused by the cancer itself. Our doctors and nurses are always here to support you. Please never hesitate to reach out to us whenever you experience pain, difficulties, or simply have questions during your treatment journey.

Fields of Expertise, Professional Memberships and Credentials

Hirofumi Yasui, M.D., Deputy Director

Fields of Expertise

chemotherapy for gastroenterological cancer (stomach cancer)
anti-cancer drug treatment for the gastrointestinal tract

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Doctor and Specialist, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology
The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology
The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
The Japanese Gastric Cancer Association

Kentaro Yamazaki, M.D., Ph.D., Chief, Div. of Gastrointestinal Oncology and Clinical Trial Coordination Office

Fields of Expertise

chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer (colorectal cancer)

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology
The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology
The Japan Society of Coloproctology
The Japanese Association for Molecular Target Therapy of Cancer
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

Tomoya Yokota, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Oncologist for Head and Neck Region

Fields of Expertise

chemotherapy for cancers in the head and neck region and the digestive system

cancer supportive therapy

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Cancer Chemotherapy Specialist and Supervisory Doctor Certified by the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

The Japanese Cancer Association
The Japan Society for Head and Neck Cancer
The Japan Esophageal Society
The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology
The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
The Japanese Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

Takahiro Tsushima, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Oncologist for Digestive Tract Region

Field of Expertise

chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
The Study Group for IVR for Palliation
The Japan Esophageal Society

Hirotoshi Ishiwatari, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Oncologist for Biliary-Pancreatic Region, and Director, Pancreatic and Biliary Oncology Center

Fields of Expertise

biliary tract
pancreas
ultrasound endoscopy

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Specialist and Supervisory Doctor, Local Office Councilor, Head Office Councilor, Board Councilor, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

Specialist for General Internal Medicine Certified by the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

Certified Specialist and Supervisory Doctor, Local Office Councilor and Head Office Councilor, the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

Certified Supervisory Doctor, Councilor, the Japan Biliary Association
Certified Supervisory Doctor, Councilor, the Japan Pancreas Society
The Japan Society of Hepatology

Satoshi Hamauchi, M.D., Senior Staff, Also Serving as Deputy Chief, Chemotherapy Center

Fields of Expertise

chemotherapy for head-and-neck cancer and gastrointestinal cancer

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Specialist and Supervisory Doctor Certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

Cancer Chemotherapy Specialist and Supervisory Doctor Certified by the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

Takeshi Kawakami, M.D., Senior Staff

Field of Expertise

chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Physician and Specialist in General Medicine, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Specialist and Supervisory Doctor Certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

The Japanese Gastric Cancer Association

SIG Telemedicine in Medical Oncology, the Japanese Telemedicine and Telecare Association

Cancer Chemotherapy Specialist and Supervisory Doctor Certified by the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

Kotoe Oshima, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Staff

Field of Expertise

chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer

Professional Memberships and Credentials 

Certified Physician and Specialist in General Medicine, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Cancer Chemotherapy Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

General Clinical Oncologist Certified by the Japanese Board of Cancer Therapy

The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology

Akihiro Ohba, M.D., Senior Staff for Biliary-Pancreatic Region, Also Serving at Pancreatic and Biliary Oncology Center

Field of Expertise

chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer (pancreatobiliary cancer)

Professional Memberships and Credentials 

Certified Physician, Specialist in General Medicine, and Supervisory Doctor, the the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Certified Gastroenterologist, and Supervisory Doctor, Local Office Councilor, the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

Hepatologist Certified by the Japan Society of Hepatology

Certified Gastroenterological Endoscopist and Supervisory Doctor, and Local Office Councilor, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

Cancer Chemotherapy Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

General Clinical Oncologist Certified by the Japanese Board of Cancer Therapy

The Japan Pancreas Society
The Japan Biliary Association
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

Kunihiro Fushiki, M.D., Senior Staff

Field of Expertise

chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology
The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology
The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
The Japanese Gastric Cancer Association
The Japan Pancreas Society

Hiroki Sakamoto, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Staff

Fields of Expertise

biliary tract
pancreas

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Specialist Certified by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

The Japan Biliary Association
The Japan Pancreas Society

Rin Inamoto, M.D., Senior Staff

Field of Expertose

chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Cancer Chemotherapy Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

Specialist Certified by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

The Japanese Gastric Cancer Association

Naoya Ishibashi, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Resident

Fields of Expertise

chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Specialist Certified by the Japan Surgical Society

Certified Specialist and Doctor for Surgical Treatment for Gastroenterological Cancer, the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery

Cancer Chemotherapy Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology

General Clinical Oncologist Certified by the Japanese Board of Cancer Therapy

The Japanese Association for Medical Artificial Intelligence
The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
The Japanese Gastric Cancer Association
The International Society of Liquid Biopsy

Ryo Kawaura, M.D., Ph.D.,Chief Resident

Field of Expertise

chemotherapy for head-and-neck cancer

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Specialist and Supervisory Doctor Certified by the Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Japan

General Clinical Oncologist Certified by the Japanese Board of Cancer Therapy

The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology
The Japan Society for Head and Neck Surgery
The Japan Society for Head and Neck Cancer
The Japanese Society of Practical Otolaryngology
The Society of Swallowing and Dysphagia of Japan
The Japanese Society for Hereditary Tumors

Joji Muramatsu, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Resident

Fields of Expertise

biliary tract
pancreas

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

Specialist Certified by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

The Japan Biliary Association
The Japan Pancreas Society
The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology
The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology

Yuna Onodera, M.D., Resident

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

The Japanese Society of Medical Oncology
The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology

Takaki Okuyama, M.D., Resident

Fields of Expertise

biliary tract
pancreas

Professional Memberships and Credentials

Certified Physician, the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

Specialist Certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology
The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

Tomomi Yokoyama, M.D.

Fields of Expertise
Professional Memberships and Credentials

Shizuoka Cancer Center

Shizuoka Cancer Center