PREFACE

This is the first report in a series summarizing the activities of the US-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program for the period April 1984 through March 1985 during the third 5-year period of its operation from 1984 to 1989. In this volume detailed progress reports from each of the four program areas are given along with an administrative summary outlining overall activities.
Since its inception in May 1974, the US-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program has been instrumental in establishing a close working relationship between researchers in Japan and the United States and in providing an important means of exchanging scientific information. This activity has significantly contributed to the impressive progress that has marked cancer research in recent years. In October 1983 the Program was renewed for a third 5-year period beginning 1 April 1984 to 31 March 1989. We are confident that the future years will continue bringing satisfaction to all participants of a job well done.
Initiation of the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program promulgated by Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone will enhance cooperation in cancer research between Japanese and U.S. scientists, as well as those in other countries, through the new efforts by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, and the Japanese Science and Technology Agency. The cooperation initiated in the past will continue to bear fruit of common efforts. As new, younger scientists enter this field, the ties will grow stronger and longer lasting.
This year saw the departure of three strong supporters of this program. Dr. Robert R. Omata, who spent long years in quite tireless effort to promote this program, retired from U.S. Government service. Dr. Yoshio Sakurai, who played a key role in the Cancer Treatment Program as the Japanese Coordinator since 1974, retired from the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research. Dr. Koichi Igarashi, Executive Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, also went into retirement. Their absence will be felt by all of those remaining. Our wishes for their retirement are mixed with sorrow for their loss. Finally, the dedicated contribution of Ms. Beverly Schaff of the National Cancer Institute and Messrs. Nagahide Onozawa and Hisashi Kato of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science are gratefully acknowledged.