Medical Frontiers

In Japan, researchers have found that inactive, underweight people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A mouse experiment showed that just one day of no exercise results in a higher blood glucose level. Researchers have also confirmed that after exercise, the muscles release a substance that suppresses colon cancer. We introduce the latest findings on the relationship between the muscles and disease.

Japan's first surgical robot was developed two years ago. As of 2022, it won approval for use in cancers of the prostate, stomach, colon and uterus. We examine how the robot is used in surgeries and interview the developers about why the device was necessary. We also look at how the robot is being used to operate remotely and to train novice doctors, thereby changing the future of surgery.

A new drug jointly developed by Japanese and UK pharmaceutical companies targets HER2-positive breast cancers. It consists of a powerful chemotherapy drug linked to an antibody. In a clinical study, cancer shrank or disappeared in 60 percent of subjects. We also introduce care for patients struggling with changes in appearance due to treatment, and a cheerdance team made up of cancer survivors. The program looks at not just treatment, but ways to cope with the disease.

New Alzheimer's disease drugs have been developed in recent years. The key is to start treatment before dementia begins, in the stage of mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. But detecting MCI is time-consuming and difficult because there is no clear benchmark for diagnosing it. New devices have been developed for that purpose: a device to measure brain waves and a helmet-type PET scanner. We report on how this latest technology is helping with the battle against dementia.

Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT) is a Japanese treatment for chronic inflammation that involves rubbing the upper throat with a chemical-soaked cotton swab. EAT is gaining attention for its potential efficacy against long COVID and has been mentioned in the scientific journal Nature. Doctors are also using it on conditions with unknown causes after noticing inflammation in many patients' throats. Our report provides the latest information on EAT.

Japanese doctors are leading research on dizziness, which can interfere with daily life and cause long-term suffering. The Vertigo/Dizziness Center at Nara Medical University suggests a week-long stay for comprehensive testing to identify the cause and offer effective treatment. Even if there is no known cure, rehabilitation can help, allowing patients to return to work in some cases. We report on the latest dizziness treatments.

Conventional radiotherapy commonly uses X-rays, which have limited reach and can harm surrounding normal cells. Heavy ion radiotherapy, a promising alternative, uses heavy ion beams to effectively treat deep-seated cancers such as those of the pancreas and liver. Japan's leading facility for the therapy attracts trainees worldwide. We highlight the latest research on heavy ion radiotherapy, featuring a case study of pancreatic cancer which has been in remission for eight years.

Studies are revealing that some strains of bacteria in our mouths could contribute to heart and brain diseases, and even dementia. A researcher specializing in oral bacteria has developed a device to eliminate harmful bacteria that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Stay informed on the latest research on oral bacteria, which greatly impact overall health. Additionally, learn relaxation techniques through the traditional Japanese performing art of Noh.

Japanese researchers are making groundbreaking discoveries on the mechanisms of aging and working to apply them. As we age, senescent cells, or aged cells that have stopped dividing, accumulate, causing inflammation that can damage blood vessels and organs. Animal experiments have shown that removing these cells improves kidney function and reduces arteriosclerosis. They have led to the identification of a drug and development of a vaccine to eliminate the cells.

Natto is a traditional Japanese fermented food with a unique smell and stickiness. In 2020, the National Cancer Center announced that high consumption of natto lowers mortality risk. Natto not only activates the immune system, but also contains a significant amount of vitamin K2, which can suppress brain inflammation, while the substance responsible for its stickiness lowers blood sugar levels. We report the latest findings on the health benefits of natto, which is drawing attention worldwide.

Lumbar disc hernias can be alleviated with conservative treatments such as painkillers in around 80% of cases, but for the remaining 20%, surgery was the only way to control the pain. However, in 2018, Japan approved a new drug, administered via a single injection, marking a breakthrough for patients seeking alternatives. The drug's development and approval in Japan took around 50 years, and it is now awaiting approval in the United States. We bring you the latest on the therapy.q

Heart failure, which is rising globally, has no cure. A type of medication gaining attention for the ability to slow down its progress is SGLT2 inhibitors, which treat diabetes by acting on the kidneys. When the kidneys are burdened, the heart attempts to compensate, but this medication gives the kidneys a rest, reducing the heart's workload. Additionally, a sensor is being developed to measure the appropriate exercise level for each patient. We provide the latest updates on heart failure treatment.

Dr. Chin Takaaki is a pioneer in Japan for using robots in the rehabilitation of chronic spinal cord injury patients. Even when patients regained walking ability in the hospital, many struggled to maintain it and would go back to using wheelchairs after returning home. Chin's team has enabled patients to keep walking without crutches by using two types of robotic devices. It has also effectively trained children with robotic hands, ensuring progress with unique methods.

A depression treatment called rTMS, which uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain, is showing promise. When it was administered to patients who didn't respond to antidepressants, about half showed improvement. Research is underway on its potential to prevent the recurrence of depression. Additionally, the link between depression, obesity and lifestyle-related diseases is becoming clearer. We show a case in which introducing nutritional guidance has led to symptom relief.