#Japan #Tokyo #Mirai #MIT Jameel Clinic #Community Jameel

MIT Jameel Clinic and National Cancer Center's Innovative Partnership

On November 27, 2025, in Tokyo, a significant collaboration was announced between the MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health and Japan's National Cancer Center Central Hospital. This partnership focuses on the evaluation of an innovative deep learning model called "Mirai," which aims to predict the risk of breast cancer with precision using mammogram images collected from women over a five-year trajectory.

Supported by Jameel Commercial and Community Jameel, this research initiative sets out to ascertain the effectiveness of Mirai in the Japanese context. The model was co-established in 2018 by the MIT Jameel Clinic and Community Jameel, an international organization dedicated to supporting social development through science and education. So far, Mirai has garnered validation from 2 million mammogram images across 72 hospitals in 23 countries.

The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by notable figures including Mohammed Jameel KBE, founder and chairman of Community Jameel, and Yasuyuki Seto, director of the National Cancer Center Central Hospital.

In this study, Mirai's predictions regarding breast cancer risk will specifically focus on Japanese women by analyzing mammogram images collected from 2013 to 2024. The model's predictive results will be compared with actual diagnostic outcomes, allowing researchers to assess Mirai's effectiveness and reliability within the Japanese clinical environment.

The anticipated outcomes of this research are promising, as they could lead to a more personalized approach to breast cancer screening in Japan. For high-risk patients, the focus may shift towards enhanced follow-ups, while low-risk patients could benefit from reduced excessive screening.

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer among Japanese women, constituting about 23% (approximately 98,782 cases) of all cancers diagnosed in females. Each year, around 16,000 women succumb to the disease. Nonetheless, statistics indicate that if detected early, the five-year relative survival rate exceeds 90%, highlighting the crucial need for timely diagnosis and treatment.

This data underscores the importance of recognizing breast cancer risk as early as possible, enabling appropriate follow-ups and care. Currently in Japan, mammogram screenings are recommended biennially for women aged 40 and over. While mammography can detect small lumps and fine calcifications unnoticed during self-examinations, interpretation of the images often relies on visual assessments, which can introduce variability based on a clinician's experience.

Mohammed Jameel KBE expressed: "Mirai is a groundbreaking tool that harnesses AI to advance cancer care for women worldwide. With a deep, longstanding connection to Japan, we are thrilled that MIT Jameel Clinic and Community Jameel can collaborate with the National Cancer Center Central Hospital to enhance medical care for women experiencing breast cancer risks in Japan."

Dr. Susumu Yonemori, head of the oncology department at the National Cancer Center Central Hospital, affirmed the significance of this research in predicting breast cancer risk from historical and current mammogram screening data. He stated, "Our Japanese team is committed to responsibly working on this international collaborative research with the MIT Jameel Clinic to achieve meaningful outcomes."

Regina Barzilay, a professor overseeing AI research at MIT Jameel Clinic, praised Mirai for its innovative ability to predict breast cancer risk up to five years in advance. "We hope this collaborative study will provide new insights and possibilities for breast cancer screening and treatment approaches in Japan," she added.

The research will specifically involve mammogram images from patients screened at the National Cancer Center Central Hospital and Yotsuya Medical Cube. By comparing Mirai's predicted risk of developing breast cancer against actual diagnostic results, researchers hope to validate the model's accuracy within the Japanese clinical setting.

Should Mirai prove effective in Japan, it would represent a critical step towards incorporating AI-driven risk stratification into breast cancer screenings. This development is expected to enhance early detection accuracy and facilitate individualized medical treatment for patients.

Through this collaborative research, Jameel Commercial is committed to contributing to the advancement of healthcare and well-being in Japan.

National Cancer Center Central Hospital:

Established in 1962, the National Cancer Center Central Hospital has been a leading institution in cancer treatment and research in Japan, working to provide optimal cancer care and prevention to all citizens in collaboration with society.

Community Jameel:

Founded in 2003, Community Jameel builds on the charity and social contribution spirit initiated by the Jameel family in Saudi Arabia since 1945. The organization works to address crucial challenges like climate change, healthcare, and education with scientists, humanitarian responders, and technologists.

MIT Jameel Clinic:

As a central institution for AI and machine learning-based medical research at MIT, the clinic produces innovative results in predictive medicine, drug discovery, and diagnostic imaging, significantly contributing to improving healthcare access and treatment accuracy.