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Okayama University Enhances Clinical Research Skills with 87th Medical Technology Training

On November 21, 2025, Okayama University held its 87th training session for medical technology, a significant step towards advancing the clinical research capabilities of its staff. This event, conducted in a hybrid format, was hosted at the Shikata Campus and was aimed at improving the understanding of oncological genomic medicine within the context of gynecological cancers.

The training session gathered medical personnel from the university's Medical Technology Division, focusing on the deepening of expertise and the cultivation of a broad perspective necessary for addressing increasingly complex medical research challenges. Regularly held three times a year, these training sessions are designed to strengthen collaboration and information sharing among technical staff, ensuring an elevated level of support for research efforts.

Key Discussion: Gynecological Malignancies and Genetic Testing

Professor Masashi Nagao from the Department of Perinatal Medicine at the Institute of Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Sciences delivered a key lecture titled, "Gynecological Malignancies and Genetic Testing". His presentation shed light on the increasing prevalence of ovarian and endometrial cancers and emphasized the crucial role of genetic testing in determining treatment strategies in modern oncology.

Through his discussion, he elaborated on the concept of personalized cancer treatment based on individual genetic information. Highlighted were the uses of PARP inhibitors for ovarian cancers associated with BRCA mutations and the instances of immune checkpoint inhibitors showing effectiveness, guided by genomic classifications in endometrial cancers.

A particularly crucial topic raised in the status of hereditary cancers was the risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). Professor Nagao presented data confirming that the implementation of RRSO significantly reduces the incidence of both ovarian and breast cancers, while also markedly lowering mortality rates, thus demonstrating the efficacy of preventive interventions against hereditary tumors.

Engaging Q&A Session

Following the lecture, a lively question-and-answer session was led by technical staff such as Yuri Tamada, fostering a rich discussion that enhanced understanding of recent advancements in gynecological cancer management. This collaborative atmosphere provided invaluable insights to the participants, ensuring the training session was both enlightening and beneficial.

Professor Norihito Sato, the head of the Medical Technology Division and the vice president of the university, remarked on the importance of learning from the latest medical technologies and clinical activities. Noting that many technical staff members are engaged in competitive funding, including research grants, he expressed his commitment to further enhancing the skills of the staff through such effective training sessions.

Ongoing Innovations in Medical Education

Okayama University's Medical Technology Division continues to strengthen interdepartmental collaboration and professional development through a variety of training programs. Additionally, since the fiscal year 2022, the university has participated in the TC College initiative by Tokyo University of Science, emphasizing advanced training for technical staff. This year, Okayama University has launched a specialized "Biomedical Engineering Course" as a satellite institution, strategically promoting advancements in its areas of expertise.

As a part of the designated "J-PEAKS" project for strengthening regional core research universities, Okayama University is committed to co-creating the future of our region and the planet, while fostering a transformative research environment. Through these initiatives, the institution aspires to constantly evolve and embrace challenges, fostering a supportive network for its technical personnel engaged in these endeavors.

For more information on subsequent training sessions and programs, please visit the Okayama University Technical Division page.