Hematology, Diabetes and Endocrinology

Division of Hematology, Diabetes and Endocrinology
Director: Kazuya Shimoda, M.D., Ph.D.

Hematology

The Division of Hematology has a long history in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of hematologic diseases. We aim to provide high-quality, evidence-based medical care for patients with both malignant and non-malignant blood disorders. In recent years, the field of hematology has rapidly advanced, especially in immunotherapy. Our division actively introduces advanced treatments such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy and bispecific antibodies (BsAb), and aims to apply these new therapies to daily clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. At the same time, we promote research that bridges laboratory findings and patient care, based on clinical experience.

Patient Care

We provide comprehensive care for a wide range of hematologic diseases, from initial diagnosis to advanced treatment and long-term follow-up. We work closely with other medical departments and allied health professionals to provide patient-centered care with individualized management.

Target Diseases

1.Malignant hematologic disorders

  • Leukemia
  • Malignant lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
  • Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)

For these diseases, we provide appropriate treatment based on current scientific evidence, including chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapies such as CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

2.Non-malignant hematologic disorders

  • Anemia
  • Bleeding and coagulation disorders
  • Other benign hematologic diseases

Treatment strategies are selected according to the underlying pathophysiology of each condition.

Education

Our educational activities include undergraduate medical education, residency training, and subspecialty fellowship programs in hematology.
We aim to train physicians and researchers with basic and practical clinical skills, understanding of disease mechanisms, and ability to contribute to future development of hematology.

Research Areas

Clinical Research

  • Population-based cohort studies of hematologic malignancies
  • Nationwide surveys of myeloproliferative neoplasms, including myelofibrosis
  • Clinical data analysis of molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapies
  • Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of HTLV-1–related hematologic diseases

Basic research

  • Molecular and cellular pathogenesis of Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)
  • Developing novel targeted therapy for MPN
  • Molecular mechanisms of Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma leukemogenesis

DiabetesandEndocrinology

The Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology provides comprehensive clinical care, education, and research in these fields. In endocrinology, we are distinguished as the only center in the prefecture capable of performing comprehensive evaluations for hypothalamic and pituitary disorders. Additionally, we provide systemic chemotherapy for patients with unresectable thyroid cancer.

In diabetes and metabolism, our core activities include inpatient diabetes education programs for patients with difficult-to-manage diabetes, inpatient glycemic management for patients admitted for other conditions, and the evaluation and treatment of obesity.

These areas are characterized by rapid advances in novel drug development and the generation of clinical evidence, and our goal is to consistently deliver optimal, up-to-date care. To achieve this, we maintain a robust supervisory and educational structure centered on twice-weekly conferences, and we conduct multiple clinical research projects driven by questions arising from daily clinical practice.

Target Diseases

1.Hypothalamic and Pituitary Diseases

We conduct endocrinological examinations for pituitary tumors and provide replacement therapy for hypopituitarism, including post-operative care.

2.Adrenal Diseases

We perform endocrinological evaluations and perioperative management for adrenal tumors, as well as drug therapy for non-surgical cases and hormone replacement therapy after surgery.

3.Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases

We provide testing and medical treatment for thyroid and parathyroid dysfunction. Additionally, we offer chemotherapy for inoperable thyroid cancer.

4.Diabetes

We provide treatment for Type 1, Type 2, and other forms of diabetes.

5.Others

We provide medical care for gonadal diseases, mineral and metabolic disorders, and severe obesity.

Education

Our educational activities include undergraduate medical education, residency training, and subspecialty fellowship programs in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

Our goal is to foster the development of clinicians who can become regional leaders in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and researchers whose work has global impact–building on the acquisition of fundamental clinical skills and a deep understanding of disease.

Research Areas

Clinical Research

  • Effective approaches to diet and exercise therapy for diabetes.
  • Efficacy and safety of pharmacological therapy for diabetes.
  • Relationship between metabolic diseases and vascular endothelial function.
  • Relationship between pituitary function and sleep quality.