MINUTES

ANNUAL NCI-JSPS JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING, U.S.-JAPAN COOPERATIVE CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAM
June 9-10, 1983
Honolulu, Hawaii

The meeting was called to order by Dr. Robert W. Miller at 9:00 a.m., June 9, 1983, at the Ala Moana Americana Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Miller welcomed the members of the Joint Steering Committee and then introduced the NCI Steering Committee members: Dr. Richard H. Adamson, Dr. Richard J. Hodes, Dr. Stephen A. Sherwin, and Dr. Robert R. Omata.
Dr. Haruo Sugano expressed his appreciation to the NCI members for hosting the meeting and then introduced the members of the JSPS Steering Committee: Dr. Fuminori Sakai, Executive Director, JSPS, and formerly Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Tokyo, Dr. Takashi Sugimura, Dr. Yuichi Yamamura, Dr. Yoshio Sakurai, Mr. Nagahide Onozawa, and Mr. Iwao Abe of the JSPS staff.
Dr. Miller pointed out that there are two new members of the NCI Committee; Dr. Hodes is replacing Dr. William Terry and Dr. Sherwin is taking the place of Dr. Arthur Levine, both of whom have left NCI. The new members' active interest and participation as Program Coordinators for their program areas were greatly appreciated since the transition had taken place without any difficulties.
Dr. Miller presented a brief background of the program since its initiation in May 1974, when the first 5-year agreement was comprised of 11 program areas. In June 1979, the second 5-year agreement was established with the current format of four program areas. This greatly broadened and provided flexibility to the specialized areas covered by the cooperation agreement. The functions and responsibilities of the Joint Steering Committee made it possible to alleviate many administrative problems and also to hold smaller and informal Steering Committee meetings to discuss topics of current interest and new advances in cancer research. The establishment of the four program areas has greatly enhanced interaction, thus making the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program the most productive and efficiently administered bilateral program sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. The best features of the program have been the exchange of ideas and research information and the exchange of scientists, as well as the promotion and encouragement of parallel and complementary research activities.
Dr. Miller further stated that the annual Joint Steering Committee Meeting provided a forum to place emphasis on science and not merely a recitation of past activities. Discussions have been focused on new advances as well as future potentially promising activities in cancer research.
Dr. Sugano thanked Dr. Miller for his opening remarks and reiterated the successful conclusion of the second 5-year agreement. He stated that the Committee would discuss the activities of the past year in the various program areas, but that he would like to discuss ideas for the third 5-year agreement, which would begin April 1984. He also stated that Prime Minister Nakasone recently announced the new 10-year Program proposed by the Japanese Government to promote the Japanese National Cancer Program and to further international cooperation. He reported that the Advisory Council had discussed plans for the new Program, but that the budget had not been established, since at least three government agencies are involved as well as the Ministry of Finance.
Dr. Sugano stated that he would like to see a close relationship established between the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program and the new "Nakasone" Cancer Program. He stated that Dr. Sakai would have ideas and opinions about the new Japanese Cancer Program. He pointed out that one of the main purposes of this meeting was to discuss the plans for the next 5-year agreement.
Dr. Miller stated that discussions should take into account the Prime Minister's interests and the enhancement of the NCI-JSPS cooperation.
Dr. Omata stated that an exchange of letters between the Director General of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Director of the National Cancer Institute agreeing to the third 5-year cooperation would be needed soon.
The joint Steering Committee unanimously recommended that the currently established program areas, namely, Etiology, Biology and Diagnosis, Treatment, and Interdisciplinary Programs be continued for the next 5-year period, beginning April 1, 1984, and extending through March 31, 1989. The Program objectives will continue to be (1) the exchange of information on cancer research through workshops and symposia; (2) the exchange of scientists; (3) the exchange of research materials; and (4) collaborative research among scientists in both countries.
Dr. Adamson asked if there should be more discussion on future meetings and areas of mutual interest, such as the development of standard protocols on epidemiology and treatment and joint studies (e.g., of passive smoking). He stated that the present program area structure had worked quite well; however, there had been some overlap of disciplines or specialty areas. He also stated that he would like to see joint meetings between two program areas to provide coverage of overlapping research interests, such as late effects of cancer chemotherapy, including mutagenic effects and development of second tumors. The current four program areas represent a very broad coverage of cancer research, and he thought that the Etiology program area should include viral oncology, particularly with regard to retroviruses.
Dr. Sugimura stated that the program areas have worked well, but that some changes of the subject areas may be in order in the future. The main concern, he said, is that the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program must not conflict with the new "Nakasone" Cancer Program.
He further stated that the Biology and Diagnosis program area was a bit ambiguous and that several selected research areas should be emphasized. There has been a tendency to hold routine annual meetings on some topics; for some subject areas, meetings should be held every 2 or 3 years instead of annually. Dr. Sugimura added that this Program has been most effective in providing impetus for the exchange of scientific information, and that certain persons should be encouraged to maintain continuous contact to handle and disseminate information exchange among their compatriots. In particular, he felt that the Joint Steering Committee should coordinate and provide structure for the continuation of these aspects of the Program.
Dr. Sugano reported that under the first 5-year Program the 11 program areas worked too independently and the whole Program suffered from insufficient coordination. Dr. Omata agreed with Dr. Sugano that the present four-program area format had worked very efficiently and with less financial stress and administrative problems.
Drs. Adamson and Miller brought up the matter of NIH and NCI making contract and grant awards to Japanese institutions. The Japanese Government prohibited publicly supported institutions from receiving foreign grants and contracts; the history of this restriction was related by Dr. Omata. In 1967 and 1968, owing to student unrest and restrictions imposed by the Japanese Ministries of Finance, Education, and Health and Welfare, governmental institutions were not able to accept monies from foreign governments. Therefore, Japanese scientists in public institutions could not receive contract or grant funds from NIH or NCI. Dr. Adamson asked if these regulations and restrictions could be relaxed by the Japanese Government or if a Japanese research foundation could be a conduit. This subject had already been discussed between NIH and the Japanese Government, but there had been no resolution. The question was raised whether a lifting of the restriction could be part of the "Nakasone" Program.
Dr. Sugimura thought that under the "Nakasone" Cancer Program, the Japanese Government might collect monies from the private sector and other sources, and that funds may be given to some private or public foundations, which may be able to accept monies from foreign sources.
He further stated that under the "Nakasone" Cancer Program, the international cooperation with the United States could mean that more Japanese scientists would be able to work in the United States, and that provisions could be made to support American scientists in Japanese laboratories. Some of the above discussion may be conveyed to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Dr. Yamamura felt that the main thrust should be toward inviting American scientists to work and study in Japanese laboratories, since there would be no funds for supporting research in the United States. Dr. Adamson reported that NCI had sent several Americans to the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (formerly the ABCO in Hiroshima. The support of these American scientists had caused some problems by their cost to foreign travel funds at NCI. He wondered if the Ministry of Health and Welfare or some other sources could provide per diem allowance or housing subsidy for this purpose. The subject was postponed for informal discussion.
Dr. Sugimura stated that there are two U.S.-Japan Cooperative Programs: the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program and the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program. With a third cooperative program, the "Nakasone" Cancer Program, there should be greater flexibility to meet different needs as well as to strengthen the existing U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program. Dr. Yamamura reported that the "Nakasone" Cancer Program was still in its formative stages and would not begin until 1984. It is a bit early to say what the final program would encompass.
Dr. Sugimura stated that in some instances U.S.-Japan cooperation has been quite bureaucratic but that the relationship between NCI and JSPS had been excellent, with minimal administrative problems. There is the high probability that at least three Japanese Government agencies, namely the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (MOMBUSHO), the Ministry of Health and Welfare (KOSEISHO), and the Science and Technology Agency (STA) will be involved in implementing the "Nakasone" Cancer Program.
He strongly recommended that the NCI-JSPS Joint Steering Committee hold a special meeting in January or February 1984 in Tokyo to discuss the continuation of the present cooperation programs and the relationship between the programs. The Joint Committee agreed that it would be advantageous to hold the special meeting in Tokyo in order that individuals from a variety of Japanese agencies might attend.
Dr. Sugano then assumed the chair for the meeting. He announced that Mr. Kichimasa Soda retired from the JSPS, and expressed the collective appreciation of the joint Steering Committee for his work and contributions to the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program. He also acknowledged the leadership and contributions of Dr. Gregory T. O'Conor, one of the original founders of this Program who has recently been assigned by NCI to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Dr. Adamson presented the Annual Report for the Etiology program area (see Annual Report). He stated that the exchanges of scientists were particularly productive and the three seminars on multiple primary cancers, new etiology of lung cancer, and carcinogenesis and environmental cancers were very successful, eliciting considerable discussion and interaction among the participants.
Dr. Miller pointed out that the seminar on multiple primary cancers led Japanese clinicians to realize the value of obtaining specimens from certain patients studied by laboratory scientists. In this respect, he felt that the seminar was unusually effective.
Dr. Sugimura said that collaboration between clinicians and basic research investigators is very important and that this Program enabled the laboratory and clinical researchers to exchange ideas. He also pointed out that Oiso was an interesting locale, since it was the home of Prime Minister Yoshida, who was instrumental in the signing of the U.S.-Japan Peace Treaty ending World War II.
Dr. Miller reported that the two countries differ in their research approaches to the investigation of multiple primary cancers, and the discussion brought out differences in disease patterns. In addition, new American participants were introduced and participated in the seminar. Their presentations on cytogenetics aroused considerable interest.
Dr. Sugimura pointed out that children with leukemia treated with chemotherapy showed little or no increase in the occurrence of second tumors. Dr. Adamson stated that in the combined chemotherapy of Hodgkin's disease there had been cases of second primary cancers; acute myelogenous leukemia occurred in 5% of cases treated with alkylating agents. Dr. Sherwin said that in Hodgkin's disease there has been iatrogenic secondary cancer due to chemotherapeutic agents. There may be some indication of alteration of oncogenic expression on DNA repair. Dr. Sugano mentioned that he had observed some patients with mammary cancer treated with chemotherapy who later developed acute leukemia.
Drs. Adamson and Hodes stated that there seems to be a relationship between oncogenes and DNA repair, and the emergence of second primary or secondary tumors. The problem is very interesting and investigators in the United States are just beginning research on the relationship. It was also mentioned that tumor aggregates in families was a subject of interest with regard to human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV).
The seminar on lung cancer brought up many new and interesting questions, such as passive smoking, air and indoor pollution, the increase of lung cancer in Japan, dietary differences, and differences in the composition of tobacco. The seminar also pointed out the need for better and more collaboration between the epidemiologists and the laboratory scientists. The meeting fostered a better relation between the Japanese and American scientists on subjects of mutual interest, and there was a recommendation for more collaboration and exchange of information and materials between the two countries.
Dr. Adamson asked if there were any great differences between the tobacco consumed in Japan and that used in the United States. Dr. Sugimura stated that there are some differences in the mutagenicity tests. He tested the tobacco from China, which was given to him by Dr. Miller following one of his visits. Dr. Sugimura and his research staff found the Chinese tobacco to be more mutagenic than the Japanese and American products.
The recent data on passive smoking and cancer incidence have been quite controversial, and Dr. Sugimura suggested that comparative studies between the Japanese and American epidemiologists and others should be made and that continuous contact and interaction were needed on passive smoking.
The seminar on carcinogenesis and environmental factors held in Dedham, Massachusetts, went very well. It was pointed out that the Delaney clause of the Food and Drug Act has caused considerable problems between Japan and the United States, particularly as it affects the importation of foodstuff from the United States into Japan. Dr. Sugimura pointed out that more collaboration on the assay of foodstuffs and food additives was needed. He also stated that more studies on BHA were required to declare the safety of this antioxidant.
Drs. Yamamura and Hodes reported on the Biology and Diagnosis program area, which covers broad areas of cellular and molecular biology, basic and tumor immunology, and automated cytology (see Annual Report). In recent years there has been an explosive advance in molecular biology, particularly with the rapidly expanding research on oncogenes. This field is very dynamic and the research approaches are complementary to many basic research areas, such as transfection and genetic transfer; new technology is developing very rapidly both in the United States and in Japan. The recent meeting pointed out new research on DNA-mediated oncogene analysis, the introduction of macromolecules into cells, transfection, and cell fusion. Meetings on molecular biology will continue to be popular in the future.
Dr. Adamson asked if molecular biology was one of the priority research areas in Japan. Dr. Yamamura stated that such research was being promoted, and he anticipated that new supplemental funds might be available in the future to send more Japanese investigators to American laboratories.
Dr. Yamamura stated that immunology is more closely related to molecular biology, and there is a strong tendency for these two disciplines to merge, particularly oncogene research and genetic control. Research on liposomes, monoclonal antibodies, and lymphokines are involved in immunotherapy of cancer. Since preclinical immunology and immunotherapy are very closely related, Dr. Sherwin felt that immunologists should be included among the participants at the Annual Treatment Research Review Meetings, sponsored by the Treatment program area.
Dr. Hodes was co-organizer with Dr. Toshiyuki Hamaoka of Osaka University in arranging the Immunology Seminar. He reported that the meeting brought out the excellent quality of the research in immunology in both countries and that it had greatly contributed to the world-wide advance of research in immunology. The interaction between immunology and molecular biology has been good, and basic immunology has interacted and enhanced research in tumor immunology. Recently, Dr. Hamaoka and his group have been using model systems to study immunotherapy, particularly regulation of the immune system. The pretreatment of suppressor cells with haptens has enhanced immunotherapy in animal models. The underlying principles are now very sophisticated. Also, non-specific immune modulators are now evident. Recent studies show that tumor immunology involves a very complex system. The use of a monoclonal antibody in treatment has many problems, such as the need of repeated injection, the use of mouse cells, and the antibodies becoming antigenic themselves. Dr. Sherwin stated that new clinical trials have been started on treating lymphoma using monoclonal antibodies. Thus far, the antitumor response has been low and antimouse antibody formation in patients has been a big problem.
Dr. Yamamura believes that monoclonal antibodies have good prospects as effective diagnostic tools. Dr. Sherwin stated that there is high potential for in vitro and in vivo applications to study tumor cells. The timing for merging molecular biology and Immunology is good, and it is possible to have meetings that overlap the two research areas.
The workshop on automated cytology placed emphasis on the use of laser and image analysis for identifying tumor cells, flow cytometry, evaluation of treatment using automated cytometry, and monoclonal antibody technique for diagnostic purposes. It was the consensus of the Committee that no new advances have been forthcoming in this area of research, and industrial firms are more interested than academicians in cytology automation. It was recommended that program support for automated cytology be dropped from the program content.
Drs. Hodes and Yamamura strongly recommended that the Biology and Diagnosis program area be changed to the Tumor Biology program area, thus covering cellular and molecular biology, tumor biology, immunology, preclinical immunotherapy, and new approaches to diagnostic methodology.
The meeting was recessed for luncheon. Dr. Sugano reconvened the meeting at 2:00 p.m. and called on Drs. Sherwin and Sakurai to present the Annual Report for the Treatment program area.
Drs. Sherwin and Sakurai reported that the annual review meeting on New Anticancer Drugs and Cancer Treatment held in Bethesda was very informative (see Annual Report). Discussions on new drugs included the exchange of information on preclinical and clinical studies of new analogues of anthracycline antibiotics and platinum compounds. The discussions on the biological response modifiers proved to be very valuable for the interaction among the investigators. The Japanese have recently developed several new modifiers. Information on interferon research was shared on the present and future use of interferon in cancer treatment. Recent advances in methods and techniques in radiation oncology were presented with emphasis on radiosensitizers, hyperthermia, and high energy radiation therapy. The use of intraoperative radiotherapy was also discussed.
On the subject of clinical trials, talks were presented on drug-sensitive tumors, and information and views were exchanged on the greater prevalence of gastric cancer and adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) in Japan.
The seminar on radiation oncology held in Chiba and Kyoto proved to be worthwhile. Information was exchanged on recent studies concerning the use of proton and neutron beams, new radiation equipment, radiation dosimetry and toxicity, and recently developed techniques in hyperthermia. Discussions on radiosensitizers and intraoperative radiotherapy proved to be fruitful.
Dr. Sakurai emphasized the importance of Chemotherapy of cancer and the continuous exchange of information through seminars, exchange visits, and informal correspondence. Collaboration in evaluating new drugs has been productive and useful to both sides. The joint cooperation on chemotherapy of gastric cancer proved to be useful in establishing common protocols and excellent working relationships. However, drugs for treatment of gastric cancer were not as good as originally hoped for. The cooperative research has paved the way for future studies to evaluate new drugs. This cooperation saves times and effort through collaboration in drawing up new protocols for new drugs among the clinical investigators in both countries.
The recent workshop on drug resistance organized by Drs. Driscoll and Sakurai proved to be productive. New information was exchanged on resistance of different types of tumors to chemotherapeutic agents.
Dr. Adamson stated that recent studies show that calcium antagonists affect drug resistance in certain tumors. This may be due to the alteration of certain tumors and to the alteration of the tumor cell lines that are used in testing drugs.
Dr. Sherwin stated that the work in the development of new analogues of anticancer drugs is interesting and important. He also reported that recent exchanges of Japanese investigators were useful since they attended the Phase I and II meetings held at NCI. Their presence will help in the conduct of joint clinical studies in the future.
Dr. Miller asked why Japan seems to be a leader in radiation therapy. Dr. Sherwin replied that the advances reflect the rapid and intensive research being conducted in hyperthermia and intraoperative radiotherapy. He also stated that chemotherapy in the United States has greatly benefited from the drug development research being conducted in Japan, particularly with microbial products. The research has been mutually beneficial, since much of the drug screening methodology has been developed at NCI.
Dr. Sakurai stated that Japanese investigators have benefited greatly from the cooperation in testing of new drugs. Phase I and II and preclinical studies can be done at the same time by both sides. He pointed out that many new analogues can be tested and used for clinical studies through binational cooperation, particularly on very complex studies such as mechanisms of drug action.
Dr. Adamson pointed out that Prof. Hamao Umezawa had been outstanding in developing new anticancer antibiotics. In the United States, several pharmaceutical companies are looking into new antibiotics, and NCI has promoted the production of synthetic products, such as alkylating agents. Prof. Umezawa and his group have discovered new enzyme inhibitors that show antitumor activity. One such product is Bestatin, an antiaminopeptidase. Dr. Sakurai reported that the Japanese Government Committee for Drug Administration is now extremely critical in evaluating and approving anticancer drugs, but a few new drugs may be approved and used in Japan in the near future. Dr. Adamson added that NCI has cooperated with universities and pharmaceutical firms in developing drugs through the contract mechanism. The present administration is interested in having the private sector, i.e., pharmaceutical industry, initiate more research and development studies on new drugs.
Drs. Miller and Sugano reported on the workshop on lymphomas held in Seattle just before the International Cancer Congress. This meeting was a sequel to a meeting 18 months earlier on differences in the frequencies of lymphoproliferative diseases in Asian and American populations. At the previous meeting it was pointed out that systemic lupus erythematous is more prevalent among Asians than among Americans and that nodular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are much less prevalent in Japan than in the United States. Other autoimmune diseases are also more frequent in Japan. The highlight of the earlier meeting was the report on the cluster of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) in Japan. Information was presented at subsequent workshops showing that the ATL virus is closely related or similar to the human T-ceil leukemia virus (HTLV), which was first described by Dr. Robert C. Gallo and his group at NCI. The exchange of information, e.g., epidemiology and etiology of lymphatic diseases, continues to be of great interest on both sides of the Pacific.
Dr. Sugano reported that the seminar on liver cancer contained new information reported by Japanese investigators on hepatoma, which is the fourth leading cancer in Japan, but has a low frequency in the United States. Hepatitis virus B and aflatoxin as carcinogenic agents prove to be of great interest and important factors in liver cancer. The subject of adult carriers of the hepatitis virus was also discussed in depth.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. by the co-chairman.
The JSPS Steering Committee was invited to a dinner hosted by the NCI Steering Committee.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:30 a.m. on June 10 by Dr. Miller to discuss future plans for seminars and exchange of scientists for fiscal year 1983-1984.
Drs. Adamson and Sugimura reported that two seminars are being planned for the coming year. The seminar on heterocyclic amines is being planned by Drs. S. Sato and S. Thorgeirsson in January or March 1984 either in Hawaii or in Tokyo; the workshop is timely. Heterocyclic amines are found in various foods, cosmetics, and pesticides and prove to be very hazardous. This seminar will most likely be an interesting and productive one.
The second seminar on eukaryotic DNA replication and repair is being organized by Drs. K. Koike and David Korn and is to be held in California in March 1984. New experimental data on the enzymology of DNA replication and repair, comparative repair, and pathways will be discussed. DNA repair in the human has drawn a lot of attention in studying the mechanism of carcinogenesis.
Dr. Adamson said there has been recent interest in the differentiating actions of chemotherapeutic agents between cytotoxic and mutagenic effects, particularly with platinum and anthracycline analogues. There is increasing overlap with the interests of the Treatment program area.
Also, molecular epidemiology is becoming an interesting area of research, with regard to individual risks and high-risk populations. These are two research areas that will be explored in the future.
The Japanese working group on etiology had nominated six exchange scientists while one American had been nominated. The Joint Steering Committee tentatively approved the two proposed seminars and the seven exchange scientists.
Drs. Hodes and Yamamura presented the future plans for the Biology and Diagnosis program area. The title may be changed to the Tumor Biology program area in the future.
A seminar on tumor immunology is being organized by Drs. Hamaoka and Hodes to be held in San Diego, California, in November 1983. The main subjects to be discussed will be mechanisms of expression of tumor-associated antigens, studies of tumor model systems, and preclinical immunotherapy.
The molecular biologists are planning a seminar on the modification of cell growth regulation by oncogene products. The organizers are Drs. Y. Ikawa, B. De Crombrugghe, and Ira Pastan. Plans are being made to hold the seminar in Annapolis, Maryland, in October 1983. The latest research on oncogenes, mode of expression, and transformation will be discussed.
The program coordinators nominated one Japanese and one American immunologist as exchange scientists for the present. The Joint Steering Committee tentatively approved the two seminars and the exchange scientists.
Drs. Hodes and Yamamura reiterated that automated cytology and diagnosis should not be supported at this time. A restructured Tumor Biology program area will primarily concern cellular and molecular biology and basic tumor immunology. Recent advances in molecular biology and immunology have strongly influenced and overlapped treatment research. A future meeting may include research in tumor biology and its relation to treatment.
Drs. Sakurai and Sherwin briefly mentioned the workshop on drug resistance, which was held in Honolulu in late May 1983. A workshop and exchange of two or three American oncologists are being planned by Drs. M. Ogawa and B. Chabner to discuss chemotherapy-sensitive neoplasms. The scientists will also visit and present other talks at several cancer centers in Japan in September or November 1983.
The main annual review meeting of the Treatment program area will be held in Japan in December 1983 or February 1984. This meeting will focus on new drug development and the use of monoclonal antibodies in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The organizers are Drs. Sakurai, Hoth, Driscoll, and Oldham.
The Committee tentatively approved the workshop on chemotherapy-sensitive neoplasias and the annual review meeting.
The program coordinators proposed that one or two Japanese medical oncologists be invited to attend the meeting on NCI Phase I and II studies, which will probably be held in the fall of 1983. The proposal would allow the Japanese clinical group to keep abreast of the Phase I and II studies being carried out by NCI Cooperative Oncology Groups. This proposal was tentatively approved by the Committee. Drs. Sugano and Miller reported that two workshops are being planned for the coming year. The workshop on the role of pathologists in cancer epidemiology would provide a forum to discuss geographic epidemiology and new types of tumors. This is being planned for March 1984, possibly in conjunction with the meeting of the International Academy of Pathology.
A meeting on hormone-related cancers was proposed, but the U.S. organizer is ill. The Program Coordinators postponed the meeting until next year.
A workshop on recent developments in biostatistics in relation to epidemiology was proposed by Drs. T. Hirayama and R. Miller. This is a followup of a workshop held in 1979. The area of mathematical statistics is highly developed in Japan, but the field of biostatistics is not developed. The earlier workshop was a stimulant, and it is hoped that this workshop will provide additional impetus to develop biostatistics in Japan. The meeting will probably be held in Hiroshima. The two workshops were tentatively approved by the Committee.
The JSPS Committee nominated three Japanese exchange scientists to visit American laboratories. They were tentatively approved by the Joint Committee. Dr. Robert Weinberg of the Massachusetts Institvte of Technology was nominated and approved in March 1983 to visit several Japanese laboratories in April and to attend and present his work on oncogenes at the Annual Meeting of the Japanese Medical Association.
The Executive Secretary presented a proposal received by the Office of International Affairs, NCI, earlier this year. This proposal was on the role of Vitamin A and cancer, a subject that has been proposed by the Malnutrition Panel of the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Science Program. Dr. William De Wys requested partial support for the meeting. The Joint Steering Committee reviewed the proposal, and it was recommended that it not be supported by the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program. The proposal was not well defined and involved potential confusion of the program sponsors: the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare and the JSPS (Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture) and the National Cancer Institute of NIH. In addition, the NCI-JSPS joint Steering Committee has already scheduled a full agenda of workshops and meetings for the coming year and will not be able to provide financial support for an additional meeting.
Dr. Sugimura provided a list of 17 topics of current interest to the binational cancer program. The list is meant to serve as a guide to JSPS in supporting activities under the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program. Until now, without the list, areas of interest have been open-ended. Occasionally some activities seemed difficult to justify in the absence of a boundary-determining list. As the discussion developed, it was at first thought that the topics could be divided among the four program areas, with an advisor in each country for each topic. This arrangement might return the Program to the multifocal approach of its first 5 years, so the Committee decided that the list would serve primarily as a guide to future activities, and the coordinators for each area would call on advisors ad lib, rather than appoint them formally. The list was revised and extended. It led to the realization that adjustments should be made in some program areas to accommodate all of the items. For example, the Etiology program area would give more attention in the future to the viral etiology of cancer and to host susceptibility.
Dr. Yamamura stated that there will be overlap with the proposed plans for the "Nakasone" Cancer Program. Dr. Sugimura said that the role of the current U.S.-Japan Program supported by NCI and JSPS would be primarily to sponsor joint meetings and seminars and provide for the short-term exchange of scientists and research information. He felt that the role of the "Nakasone" Program, sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, would be to provide long-term support for foreign visiting scientists to Japan. This would be limited by the presumably restricted budget.
Dr. Sakai pointed out that the selection of priority research areas would assist the JSPS in program planning for the next 5 years, and enable JSPS to utilize any funds from the "Nakasone" Cancer Program to supplement or support the priority areas as well as newly emerging areas of interest.
Dr. Sugano stated that the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare are the primary governmental agencies currently supporting cancer research in Japan. He felt that the "Nakasone" Cancer Program would provide supplementary funding for the next 10 years.
The NCI Steering Committee suggested that the area of "diagnosis" be changed to "new diagnostic methods," in order to include new technology such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and newly developed techniques in immunodiagnosis.
The Joint Steering Committee enthusiastically recommended that the third 5-year Program of the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program be supported by the National Cancer Institute and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. The extension may be accomplished by the exchange of letters between the Director of the National Cancer Institute and the Director General of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. The Executive Secretary was advised by the Committee to implement the recommendation. A draft of a letter for continuation of the Program would be prepared for submission.
Dr. Sakai discussed the proposed "Nakasone" Cancer Program further. He stated that program planning and organizing are still in the formative stages, and he believed that the Ministry of Health and Welfare (KOSEISHO), the Science Technology Agency (STA), and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (MOMBUSHO) would be the program implementing agencies. The JSPS would be deeply involved since it is an integral implementing body for the MOMBUSHO, especially when dealing with international cooperation. Policies for the new program are currently under discussion, and budgeting decisions will soon be forthcoming.
Dr. Sakai pointed out that the KOSEISHO provides support for clinical research and clinical programs and the MOMBUSHO supports basic research. The areas of basic and applied research are not easily distinguishable and problems do arise in deciding between them. He stated that the Advisory Council for the new Cancer Program includes three members of the JSPS Steering Committee of the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program. The main purposes of the new Cancer Program are the eradication of cancer and reinforcement of international cooperation in research on cancer. The Japanese Government plans to establish a 10-year program to support cancer research and to promote collaboration with foreign countries, especially with the United States. The tentative program calls for emphasis on six major themes relating to the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, new technologies of diagnosis, and development of new methods of cancer therapy. International cooperation will involve (1) cooperative research on selected subjects; (2) exchange of research information through international meetings; (3) dispatching Japanese researchers to participate in research conducted outside of Japan; (4) inviting outstanding investigators, particularly from the United States, to conduct cooperative research in Japan; (5) support for research overseas with the participation of Japanese researchers; and (6) promotion of comparative cancer research to study cancers in different parts of the world.
A general aim is to strengthen current applications in cancer research between the United States and Japan. Since several Japanese governmental agencies will be involved in implementing the new program, there will be a need for negotiations among them. Inasmuch as the budgetary decisions have not been made, it is difficult to determine what the final program plans will be. Dr. Sugano stated that the next steps are to select the scientific subject areas or program themes and to decide what the budget will be. It is hoped that an early decision will be made in order to initiate the new program in April 1984.
Drs. Sakai and Sugano suggested that a special meeting of the Joint Steering Committee be scheduled for January or February 1984 in Tokyo to discuss the continuation of the current cooperative program. Dr. Adamson suggested that Dr. Vincent DeVita, Jr., Director, NCI, be invited to address the Joint Steering Committee.
The Annual Joint Steering Committee Meeting to review, evaluate, and plan the current U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program will probably be held on or about June 25-26, 1984, in Bethesda or Hawaii.
It was agreed that Dr. Omata would write the minutes of this meeting. All the program coordinators were requested to revise, edit, and review their respective Annual Reports in order to publish the Annual Progress Report.
Drs. Miller and Sugano adjourned the meeting by thanking all of the participants for their contributions and efforts. They especially thanked Drs. Sherwin and Hodes for taking over their respective responsibilities in the middle of the review period. They also believe that the Joint Steering Committee meetings have become successively more interesting with excellent discussion by the members.
The JSPS Committee hosted a luncheon for the NCI Committee.