SECOND JOINT MEETING FOR THE U.S.-JAPAN COOPERATIVE CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAM

AGENDA

OCTOBER 23-24, 1975
HOLIDAY INN - GOLDEN GATEWAY
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

PARTICIPANTS

OCTOBER 23-24, 1975
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

MINUTES

OCTOBER 23-24, 1975
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Dr. Guy R. Newell, Chairman of the U.S. Scientific Group and Dr. Haruo Sugano, Chairman of the Japanese Scientific Advisory Committee made opening. statements, introduced the respective delegations, and alternately chaired the meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to review and evaluate the progress of each of the program areas and the activities under the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program during the first 18 months of the program. The composition of the U.S. delegation was changed to include the Program Coordinators for each of the program areas.
Dr. Newell stated that he has been greatly impressed by the progress made by the Cooperative Cancer Research Program, especially the efforts made by both sides to familiarize each other on the current research activities in the cancer fields. He stated that the progress exceeded his expectations, in spite of the initial problems in administration and implementation of the original Agreement for Cooperation. He felt that the progress was a tribute to Dr. Sugano and the JSPS staff who helped work out the difficulties and settle the problems to the mutual advantage and benefit.
Dr. Sugano expressed his sincere appreciation to the Program Coordinators for their efforts in initiating the Program and expressed his appreciation to the staffs of the JSPS and NCI for the support given towards the administration of the Program.
Dr. Newell pointed out that this Program has helped to strengthen and solidify the mutual efforts and activities in cancer research. He stressed the fact that cancer is a problem not confined to any one country, but is a truly international problem affecting all peoples of the world. He called for the people of the world to share the knowledge gained from research.
The Program has enabled leading Japanese and American scientists to come together and openly discuss research of mutual interest. The new collaborative activities and meetings proposed for the coming year portend a very optimistic and productive future. The Committee listened to the presentation of the annual reports of the individual program areas and reviewed the achievements of activities.

Chemical Carcinogenesis Program Area:

Dr. Arthur C. Upton, Program Coordinator for Chemical Carcinogenesis, in the absence of Dr. Takashi Sugimura, presented the joint report for the Chemical Carcinogenesis Program. He complemented Dr. Sugimura for his cooperation in supporting the Seminar on Protease Inhibitors and developing the program during the first year. He also expressed appreciation for the supply of the new compounds from the Japanese scientists for distribution and research in the U.S. He reported the scheduling of a meeting on the testing of carcinogens in November in Tokyo and the U.S.-Japan-Australia conference on “Cellular and Molecular Controls of Neoplasia” to be held in December 1975, in Hawaii.

Cancer Chemotherapy Program Area:

Dr. Stephen K. Carter and Dr. Yoshio Sakurai, Program Coordinators for Cancer Chemotherapy, presented the Joint Annual Report.
Dr. Carter pointed out the long standing and successful collaboration and relationship between the Japanese and American scientists in the field of cancer chemotherapy, particularly since Japan and the U.S. have the two largest programs in cancer drug development. The Joint U.S.-Japan Program has greatly enhanced and provided greater opportunities for cooperation among scientists in both countries. There are four effective drugs developed in Japan which are now being tested in the U.S.
In February 1975, there was a very successful symposium on “the Comparison of Cyclocytidine and Cytosine Arabinoside, in Preclinical and Clinical Testing.” A seminar on “Phase I Studies of New Drugs” was also held. There was extensive exchange of information on drug testing. It has become more difficult and restrictive to test drug clinically in both countries, because of recent changes in regulations governing the testing and use of new drugs.
A brief summary was given of future cooperative studies and meetings on the “Treatment of Gastric Cancer in Japan” and a “Symposium on Bleomycin and the Nitrosoureas” to be held in December 1975, and February 1976, respectively, and it was noted that the exchange of scientists and exchange of information during the first years has been very successful.
Then, Dr. Yoshio Sakurai presented a brief review of the activities during 1975. He presented a brief resume of the activities during 1 975, citing the success of the meeting in February 1975, and the collaborative efforts for more effective testing and in depth studies for the clinical evaluation of new drugs. The methodology of testing may be somewhat different between the two countries but there is a great need for exchange of ideas in evaluating clinical trials.
He pointed out that the exchanges of senior scientists for short time periods and long-term periods for younger scientists are most useful for working in areas of current program interest. He stated that he has been active in the area of information exchange through the NCI International Cancer Research Data Bank, to which 233 current research projects in Japan have been added to the Data Bank.
Dr. Sakurai emphasized the importance of the exchange of information in these areas: standardization of clinical trials, exchange of criteria and information on new treatments and protocols.
Dr. Ikawa pointed out that Phase I drug studies in Japan may become difficult in the future. Dr. Carter also pointed out that clinical trials have become difficult due to modifications in protocols and also that many Phase I studies have been successful making it difficult to investigate newer drugs due to the stringent regulations imposed by the Food and Drug Administration. Recently, several IND’s have been rejected, including some new Japanese drugs. He emphasized that methodology and strategy on drug testing must be continually modified to develop more effective treatment.
Dr. McAllister and Dr. Miller asked about drug treatment in pediatric oncology in Japan, because of difficulties encountered in treating children. Dr. Newell stated that U.S. fatality in osteogenic sarcoma has been decreasing. Dr. Sugano stated that there are studies on treatment of lymphomas and leukemias in Japanese children and he felt that pediatric oncology could be a good area for exchange of information and cooperation.
Dr. Selawry spoke on the increasing difficulties in staging clinical trials, particularly in Phase I studies. There is a need for a change of attitude within the Food and Drug Administration, since the pending regulations could paralyze clinical studies. It was reported that regulations in Japan were also changing.

Cancer Virology Program Area:

Dr. Robert McAllister presented the Annual Report of the Cancer Virology Program Area and emphasized the advantages of informal seminars and exchange of information between scientists. He reported that the first meeting in Hawaii was very successful and a second meeting is in the planning stages for March 1976, to discuss the role of oncogenic viruses.
Dr. Yoji Ikawa spoke for Dr. Yohei Ito, who could not attend the meeting, that the Japanese Virology Working Group was planning a joint meeting for March 26-27, 1976 in Kyoto.
Thus far there have been the exchange of information and, more importantly, the exchange of material, such as, purified virus preparations, specific anti-sera, enzyme preparations and reagents which are not easily available from commercial sources in Japan. These materials provided by the NCI Viral Oncology Program (Drs. Moloney and Gruber) have been greatly appreciated by the Japanese researchers.
Dr. Miller stated that recent Nobel laureates reported that viruses are not important causes of cancer; however, Drs. Ikawa and McAllister responded by stating that virus genes may be very important in cell transformation, particularly in experimental animal models. Drs. Newell and Ikawa stated that much progress in collaborative research has been achieved and that on-going projects should be encouraged and enhanced, as substantiated by Dr. McAllister. It has been very important to the Cancer Virology Program Area to initiate contacts between scientists in order to encourage collaborative research and the exchange of information and materials. As communication and liaison develop further, future developments will gradually focus interests onto certain subject areas, such as cancerization of cells and cell transformation.

Cancer Immunology Program Area:

Drs. Yuichi Yamamura and William Terry presented the Joint Annual Report for the Cancer Immunology Program. It was reported that the first meeting in Hawaii, March 1 975, was very successful in familiarizing clinical and basic scientists from both countries with the current research in immunotherapy and basic immunology. The next meeting to be held in California in March 1976, will be for the purpose of continuing the communication and dialogue between scientists and also to focus on specific areas of interest for collaboration. Thus far, the exchange of personnel has been quite effective for a number of Japanese scientists and it is felt that efforts should be made to exchange more American scientists.
Drs. Carter and Yamamura reported that Dr. Edgar Ribi and Dr. Azuma have been collaborating on Phase I trials on BCG fractions, which have had interesting preliminary results.
Dr. Selawry asked about the existence of any model system to test immuno-protection vs. carcinogenesis. Dr. Terry reported that there are some studies being conducted on the delay of carcinogenesis with immune substances and that Dr. Rapp has been studying the immuno-response to carcinogenesis. Clinical trials with immuno-therapeutic agents are difficult to conduct due to very stringent regulations. However, the use of the Maruyama vaccine has been approved by FDA for use in terminal cases by individual physicians in the U.S. The vaccine is not fully approved for use either in Japan or in the U.S. It is possible for American physicians to obtain approval on the basis of “compassionate IND”, particularly for treatment of single patients.
Discussion continued on a immuno-therapy agent, OK 432. The mechanism of action is not known and the preparation of the material is also not known. There is a big question as to its efficacy. A new preparation from crocus is being tested in transplanted tumor in animals. It has been shown to be strongly active in animals (50 units per kilo), with a low effective dose but highly toxic to animals (1 mg per kilo), making it difficult to study the mechanism of action. Dr. Yamamoto reported that the OK 432 agent is similar to a cell wall preparation and it was highly pyrogenic. It may be that hyperthermia induced by the preparation plays a role in the mechanism of action. Dr. Terry inquired as to whether it was being used in humans. Dr. Umezawa and Dr. Sakurai reported that it has been used only in the Cancer Hospital. It has been shown to decrease the size of a tumor with intratumor injections and in combination with Mitomycin C which enhances the effect. Certain types of clinical ttials have been approved by the Japanese government.

Analytical Epidemiology Program Area:

Dr. Robert Miller discussed the Joint Annual Report for the Analytical Epidemiology Program Area in the absence of Dr. Takeshi Hirayama. He reported that the exchange of Japanese scientists during the past year has been successful and would like to encourage the long-term stay of Japanese researchers to study the treatment of childhood cancer in the U.S. There is considerable talent in mathematics and mathematical statistics in Japan but very little apparent talent in biostatistics. He would like to encourage the Japanese to support the manpower needs in biostatistics and epidemiology. Dr. William Blot, NCI Exchange Scientist, has recently visited Japan to introduce new thoughts and ideas and encourage training in biostatistics and epidemiology in Japan. Neither country has a large group of cancer epidemiologists.
Dr. Miller stated that the county cancer survey in Japan, modeled like the recent U.S. study, could be a useful tool for developing hypotheses for the cause of certain types of cancer. In Japan, there is a highly organized and well-functioning District Health Care System and valuable data are available for cancer studies. It is possible to look for high rate districts. In addition, the Japanese population is very homogeneous and cancer data would be very interesting. He emphasized the great need for communication between Japanese and American scientists interested in epidemiology.
Dr. Selawry discussed the possibility of other program areas, such as the Lung Cancer Program, merging some of their interests in epidemiology with the Analytical Epidemiology Program.

Lung Cancer Program Area:

Dr. Oleg S. Selawry presented the Joint Report for the Lung Cancer Program Area in the absence of Dr. Takeshi Hirayama. He reported that the first year was a very successful period of activity for cooperation in the Lung Cancer Program Area. In October 1974, Dr. Selawry was invited to present a lecture at the annual meeting of the Japanese Lung Cancer Society and had the opportunity to meet with many leading Japanese oncologists. He also met with Dr. Hirayama and the Japanese Working Group to plan and develop a program of mutual interest. During the year, several Japanese exchange scientists visited some of the leading American cancer research institutes.
The Lung Cancer Program sent two American scientists to Japan in March 1975, to discuss a cooperative program in staging and morphological studies. As a sequelae, a team of 5 Americans have been scheduled to discuss Early Diagnosis in November 1975. A Joint Meeting on Lung Cancer Treatment and Therapy is being planned for May 1976 in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research to be held in Toronto, Canada.
Future plans are to review the status of research in lung cancer and to develop programs in cooperation with other program areas, such as therapy, diagnosis and epidemiology. The exchange of scientists and information will be promoted during the ensuing years. Dr. Newell and Sheline entered into the discussion of staging programs for surgeons and radiotherapists. Dr. Selawry reported that staging has been limited to stage 3 or resectable disease state and radiotherapy used to control metastasis. At the present time, staging is not fully developed for other types of treatment. Dr. Carter stated that staging, particularly in chemotherapy, in combined modality is very important for scheduling of various types of adjuvant treatment. Staging is becoming more important in combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Dr. Berlin reported on the U.S. activities in early diagnosis of lung cancer, pointing out the cytologic studies and other studies at Johns Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic and the Memorial Hospital. The broncho-fiberscope method developed by Dr. Ikeda has been widely used. Dr. Sugano stated that Dr. Ikeda and groups at 1 2 institutions have been involved in similar studies with heavy-high risk smokers, using the bronchoscope. The visiting American team will have the opportunity to see demonstrations given by Dr. Ikeda and his group. There was much discussion on detection and diagnosis of different types of lung cancer and the value of early diagnosis in greatly reducing mortality. Dr. Berlin stated that lung cancer is partially a societal problem; e.g., Locating of patients and the high cost of using cytologic and radiologic diagnostic methods, and he emphasized the need for research in detection and diagnosis and the need to put the research into practical usage.

Breast Cancer Program Area:

Dr. Nathaniel I. Berlin, Dr. Haruo Sugano and Dr. Yoji Ikawa presented the Joint Annual Report for the Breast Cancer Program Area.
Dr. Berlin reviewed the activities during 1974 and 1975, pointing out the participation of a number of Japanese oncologists at the meeting of the NCI Breast Cancer Task Force held in July 1974 and February 1975, held in Bethesda, Maryland and San Antonio, Texas, respectively. Plans are now being made to send a delegation of the BCTF to Japan in March 1976, to meet with the Japanese Mammary Cancer Group. Two American senior scientists will be appointed as Exchange Scientists to visit and conduct seminars at leading Japanese institutions.
Dr. Ikawa reported that the Japanese Mammary Cancer Society has been very active in establishing a counterpart program. The present activity has been involved with standardization and follow-up studies of masectomies and collection of specimens for comparative studies. Many leading Japanese hospitals are involved in the cooperative studies on therapy, diagnosis and pathology. An effort is being made to establish biology and hormone receptor research groups. A joint seminar on the comparison of incidence and diagnosis of breast cancer in the U.S. and Japan is being planned for the future.
Dr. Sugano pointed out the value of comparative studies, especially based on the high incidence of breast cancer in the U.S. and low incidence in Japan. Drs. Newell and Sugano discussed the therapy protocols in Japan and the U.S. Dr. Sugano stated that adjuvant therapy in Japan has been limited to surgery and chemo-therapy, resulting in good prognosis for the patients. Mammography and xerography are being used but there is a current shortage of equipment in Japan. Drs. Carter and Yamamura discussed the possibilities and promises of adjuvant therapy in the future.
Dr. Carter stated that the BCTF has initiated a successful National Organ Site Program and that the European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has initiated a Breast Cancer Task Force on a multinational basis in Europe. The possibilities of a EORTC-Japan-U.S. multilateral program were discussed. Dr. Berlin would encourage NCI and Dr. Pietro Gullino to invite scientists from several countries to attend future BCTF meetings. Many of the discussants expressed interest in this approach of involving multi-national participation in the Breast Cancer Program.

Bladder Cancer Program Area:

Dr. George T. Bryan and Dr. Osamu Yoshida presented the Joint Annual Report for the Bladder Cancer Program Area. It was pointed out by the Program Coordinators that the excellent progress of the Bladder Cancer Program was not accidental but transpired and developed during the past several years through the exchange of information and of scientists. It was pointed out by Drs. Upton and Miller that carcinogenesis and bladder cancer is not only important in the U.S. but equally important to other industrial nations due to greater exposure to environmental and chemical carcinogens. The Japanese scientists have long been interested in chemical carcinogenesis and have been investigating pure substances for cause. There has been 20 years of exchange of information on the subject between the U.S. and Japan as well as other countries. Studies on new techniques and insights in research have naturally led to cooperative studies.
Two significant events have contributed considerably to the Bladder Cancer Program with the establishment of the National Bladder Cancer Program, headed by Dr. Gilbert Friedell, and the participation of Drs. Yoshida and Ito in the National Program as visiting scientists at Wisconsin and the St. Vincent Hospital in the past. The relationships between the Japanese and American oncologists have continued and promoted the exchange of information and personnel. The U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program has greatly enhanced the Bladder Cancer Program.
The Program has initiated cooperative and collaborative studies on chemical carcinogenesis and related areas and has brought to focus the increasing incidence of bladder cancer in different countries. The incidence in Japan has shown a strikingly sharp upward slope. Although the present efforts are modest, the importance of bladder cancer research will gain more prominenee and should receive considerable emphasis and thrust for continued research activities. The Japanese scientists will be invited to participate at the annual meeting and workshops sponsored by the National Bladder Cancer Program.
The exchange of scientists thus far has been quite successful, with careful selection of candidates and locations for hosting institutions and sponsors. Long-term visits are being planned for junior scientists and short-term visits for senior investigators.
Dr. Bryan pointed out that the Program is developed in 3 disciplinary areas: urology, surgery and pathology. There are 4 to 5 meetings being planned for the next 3 to 4 years. The Program has permitted the development of mutual confidence and strong interpersonal relationships. He added that the exchange of information and materials will be greatly expanded and support for the Program from both sides will continue. The importance of more frequent meetings was mentioned.

High LET Radiation Therapy Program Area:

Dr. Glenn Sheline and Dr. Akira Tsuya presented the Joint Annual Report on the High LET Radiation Therapy Program Area.
Dr. Sheline provided the Scientific Groups with a general background of the development of research on High LET Radiation Therapy since 1970, when both American and Japanese scientists became interested in high energy radiation and possible use in ratiation therapy. With the high cost of equipment, facilities and operations, there is a great need for international cooperation and collaboration for further development of high energy radiation therapy. There is also a dire need for unified protocols for therapy, standardization and dosimetry. At the present time, there is cooperation between English and American scientists.
In July 1975, a team of American scientists led by Dr. Sheline visited several Japanese laboratories and conferred with Dr. Tsuya and his Japanese colleagues to discuss the program on basic and clinical studies of radiation therapy. As a result there was an excellent opportunity for exchange of information.
Future program planning will promote the exchange of biologists, physicists, and radiologists to interrelate research and application. Plans are being made to exchange 3 to 4 scientists from each side to observe and work in several laboratories during the Spring of 1976. In the Fall of 1976 a group of 6 American biologists are planning to visit Japan and observe studies in radiobiology and exchange information.
In the Summer of 1976, the Japanese scientific team is planning to meet with the American scientific team in Berkeley, California to review current activities and to plan for future collaboration and exchange of information.
Plans are being made to initiate cooperative investigations on biological effects of neutrons and other high LET particles. Dr. Tsuya pointed out that the July meeting was most opportune since 2 new cyclotrons were installed in Japan since the meeting. It is anticipated that clinical trials on radiation therapy will begin during the Fall of 1976.
Dr. Sheline emphasized the great need for the exchange of clinical protocols and the careful selection of cases for treatment. There was a great deal of discussion on the economic feasibility and the proximity of location of the expensive equipment and facilities to patients for clinical trials. In view of the considerable expense involved in the installation of new equipment and transportation of patients, Large sums of funds will be required for supporting programs in high energy radiation therapy.

Cytology Program Area:

In the absence of Dr. Kiyoji Kimura, Dr. Richard Malmgren presented the Joint Annual Report for the Cytology Program.
In February 1975, the American Working Group visited several research institutes and laboratories to observe and confer with Japanese scientists on the development of instrumentation on automated cytology. A meeting was convened to discuss the progress in this field in both countries. It was decided that initially there is a great need for the exchange of information.
In July 1975, the Japanese Working Group was invited to attend the Automated Cytology Meeting held at Asilomar, California, to meet and discuss problems of mutual interest in the area of automated cytology and to exchange information with a large group of American and foreign scientists. It has been decided to hold joint meetings for the purpose of exchanging data and information in the Summer of 1976 and in 1977, in conjunction with the International Congress of Cytology to be held in Tokyo, Japan.
Results of the two meetings held this year showed that the Japanese scientists had developed an innovative kit for self-collection of specimens for detection studies and there has been a rapid advancement in equipment design and construction for automated cytology. There are possibilities for field testing in Japan which are not readily available in the U.S., particularly those based on the stability of the population and follow-up studies. There are very good possibilities for collaboration in rapid screening technology and computer development. The Japanese group has excellent opportunities for cooperation between academic scientists and industrial researchers for developing new techniques and equipment. It is very apparent that the American Working Group can learn much from the experience of the Japanese researchers. The main obstacle in automated cytology is the standardization of cytologic preparation for image processing for automation. Therefore, it is important to establish and maintain a good avenue for the exchange of research data and information at the present time and in the near future.

Matastasis Program Area:

Dr. Philip Stansly and Dr. Haruo Sato presented the Joint Annual Report on the Metastasis Program.
They reported that in recent years there has been a great deal of emphasis placed on cancer virology and there has been some neglect of the areas of cancer biology and metastasis. During the past 10 to 15 years, some progress has been made in cell biology. It appears that it may be an opportune time to place emphasis on metastasis research. It is quite appropriate for the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program to stimulate interest and cooperative research in the program area.
In March 1975, a meeting was held between the Joint Working Group on Metastasis to discuss ways to stimulate bilateral interest in metastasis and areas of cooperative research. It was decided to hold a meeting of the Joint Working Group in May 1976, in Hawaii to survey the general area of cell biology aimed at problems in metastasis and to discuss areas of cooperative research, such as characteristics of tumor cells, host response and clinical aspects of metastasis.
Dr. Terry pointed out that the recent advances in cell biology would have a bearing on metastasis research, particularly on the current investigations on cell surfaces and characterization of tumor cells. Dr. Sato also stated that there is a great deal of relationship between metastasis and other research areas, such as immunology, carcinogenesis, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Dr. Carter pointed out that complete cure cannot be accomplished without some understanding of the metastatic processes, for instance, the question of whether metastasis occurs before or after diagnosis. Therefore, future development of anti-metastatic drugs is critical.
Dr. Sato and Dr. Stansly pointed out that the metastatic processes depend upon many undisclosed factors such as the type of cancer cells, liberation of cancer cells from the primary site, enlodgement of tumor cells, the mechanism of spreading of cancer cells and the characteristics of different types of cancer cells.
It was evident from the discussion among the participants that the understanding of the metastatic process was extremely important and that basic biology and cell biology, including genetics, could play extremely important roles. It is very crucial to stimulate interest among the different disciplines and for cross-fertilization to occur in order to take a multi-disciplinary approach to study the problem of matastasis.

Other Business:

Dr. Gregory O’Conor informed the group of the revision of the International Classification of Diseases -Oncology (ICD-O) under a contract between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Cancer Institute. The initial revised classification system is now being field tested in the U.S. and Europe. Dr. O’Conor invited the Japanese Scientific Group and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science to represent the oncologists in Japan and to participate in the field testing. It may be necessary for the Japanese group to translate the classification into the Japanese language for field testing.
Dr. Sugano responded by stating that Japanese oncologists would welcome the use of such an international classification system. The Japanese Pathological Association has tried to use a similar system for diagnostic purposes. Dr. Miller pointed out that the tissue registry in Hiroshima and Nagasaki could also be used.
Dr. O’Conor stated that there would be a distinct advantage to have the ICD-O translated into Japanese and it would be timely for field testing. The new changes have been made for compatibility with older codes, therefore, it would be advantageous for oncologists from all parts of the world to utilize the unified system of classification.

General Discussion:

The staffs of the JSPS and NCI met on October 22, 1975, to discuss administrative matters. At this preliminary meeting it was decided to hold the Third Joint Meeting in October 1976 at a suitable location in Japan. The consensus of the delegation was to schedule the Third Joint Meeting of the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program for October 11 and 12, 1976, in Japan. However, it was later decided to change the meeting dates to October 12 and 13, 1976, due to national holidays in both countries. Dr. Newell stated that it was agreed at the preliminary meeting of the JSPS and NCI staffs that the Fiscal Year of the Japanese government (April I to March 31) be the basis for program planning of meetings and personnel exchange. Other administrative procedures were discussed and general agreements were made to follow the procedures which would be mutually advantageous.

Reporting:

The reporting or publicity of the Annual Joint Meeting and other seminars and conferences was discussed. It was decided that reports on specific scientific meetings should be encouraged for publication as short notes, editorials or monographs, particularly large conferences.
The question of a publication of this annual review meeting was also discussed. Inasmuch as this is the first meeting of review and evaluation of the Program, it was felt that substantive information was too limited for publication. It was agreed that reports of subsequent annual review meetings could be published. It was agreed that the JSPS-NCI Secretariat will convene a group or a subcommittee to discuss the idea of a format for reports for the Joint Meetings.

Evaluation of the Exchange Scientists:

It was generally agreed that:

1. Short-term stay for Senior Investigators: 1 week to 2 or 3 months
   
2. Long-term stay for Junior Investigators: 6 to 12 months

In general all the exchange scientists, particularly the Japanese were pleased with their experiences in the U.S.A. The few American scientists that NCI supported, greatly valued their experiences in Japan and contact with the Japanese scientists.

Funding:

Dr. O’Conor reported, in response to a question about the allocation of funds and resources, that NCI resources were adequate at the present. In the event that funds become limited, review panels would be required to review and evaluate all proposals of meetings and personnel exchange.
For the present, review and allocation of funds are on an informal basis at NCI, while the JSPS has a more formalized procedure for review and funding. Thus far, all meeting proposals and requests for personnel exchange have been well-justified. However, if the Program should expand in the future and funds are limited, it will be necessary to establish either a standing or ad hoc committee for review.