Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Molecular biological research and clinical research on the pathology, pharmacology, and immunology of gynecologic cancers
- Elucidation of the pathology of female endocrine disorders and ovarian failure
- Molecular biological research and clinical research on fetal diagnosis and treatment
- Basic and clinical research on the pathological conditions of uterus, embryo, and placenta leading to implantation failure, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and premature delivery
- Epidemiological studies and social awareness activities using large database
Contributing to women’s health through a multifaceted approach from fetal diagnosis and treatment to geriatric medicine
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology covers four major areas, including perinatal care, reproductive endocrinology, gynecologic oncology, and women’s healthcare, to address a wide range of physiological changes and diseases in women throughout their lives, from fetal to geriatric stages. These areas are closely related to each other, and cross-disciplinary knowledge and medical treatment are required in cases such as high-risk pregnancy management following reproductive treatment, pelvic floor dysfunction triggered by pregnancy and childbirth, and ovarian failure and osteoporosis after gynecological tumor treatment.
In gynecologic oncology, treatment has drastically changed in recent years with the introduction of new therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates, whereas treatment-resistant tumors and relapses still remain to be eliminated. In studies of gynecological malignancies, we have been exploring biomarkers to predict therapeutic effects, elucidating the mechanisms involved in treatment resistance, and continuing investigation for development of new therapeutic targets. To date, we have reported on a new therapeutic target in ovarian cancer, potential of a new oligonucleotide therapeutic agent using patient-derived exomes, discovery of a new therapeutic target using cervical cancer cells grown in 3D culture system, and molecules involved in treatment resistance.
In reproductive endocrinology, based on our experience of many cases with complications, refractory conditions, and treatment resistances, we perform embryo screening using a next-generation sequencer, products of conception test, and other tests aiming to establish new therapies to replace existing treatment options. In addition, we proactively promote joint research with basic research departments to understand the mechanisms of implantation failure to develop a new therapy that may improve the condition.
In perinatal care, we pioneeringly provide fetal diagnosis and treatment while using transcriptome analysis to reveal the histological and genetic mechanisms of pathological conditions such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and placenta accreta due to placental abnormalities.
In women’s healthcare, we are engaged in a wide variety of research, from basic research such as elucidation of the pathology of chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure and investigation of the role of neutrophils in endometriosis to an attempt to visualize pelvic floor dysfunctions and development of a new medical device useful for safe implementation of endoscopic surgery.
Meanwhile, we also promote epidemiological studies and social awareness activities using large database with the purpose of increasing HPV vaccination rate to help eliminate cervical cancer.
Through these research and treatment activities, we will contribute to the improvement in lifelong health and QOL of women.
