INSTITUTE DIVISIONS of Kitano Hospital

ONCOLOGY

Current Division Head

Dr. C. Huang, Thoracic Surgery

Participating Clinical Departments and/or Services

  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Gastroenterological Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Breast Surgery
  • Urology
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Diagnostic Pathology
  • Palliative Care

Short Description of Research Projects

We investigate malignant tumors in the following systems and/or organs; digestive, respiratory, uro-reproductive, female reproductive, breasts, and hematopoietic. In clinical services, we not only adhere to the treatment guidelines, but also try to seek rational treatments based on scientific evidence. To improve the current cancer therapies, we focus on both molecular biology and its clinical applications.

RESPIRATORY & CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS

Current Division Head

Dr. M. Inoko, Cardiovascular Medicine

Participating Clinical Departments and/or Services

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Cardiac Rhythm Management
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Engineering

Short Description of Research Projects

We study physiological functions and their disturbances on the heart, vessels, lungs that are all essential for the maintenance of life. We also participate in research and development of medical equipment for treatments of patients suffering from respiratory and/or cardiovascular failures.

ENDOCRINOLOGY, METABOLISM & NEPHROLOGY

Current Division Head

Dr. A. Hamasaki, Diabetology

Participating Clinical Departments and/or Services

  • Diabetes & Endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Nutrition

Short Description of Research Projects

Our research is focused on the pathophysiology and molecular biological mechanisms in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and in various endocrine diseases. We also participate in basic and clinical research aiming precision medicine on glomerular diseases taking advantage of our database of kidney diseases and biobank consisting of biopsy and liquid (serum, urine etc.) samples integrated with clinical information. Our research also extends to nutrition and food habits to improve various disease and treatment processes.

IINFLAMMATION & IMMUNITY

Current Division Head

Dr. Y. Imura, Rheumatology

Participating Clinical Departments and/or Services

  • Rheumatology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Short Description of Research Projects

Inflammation is caused by reactions to injury of our body, and also by immune reactions designed to exclude pathogens and foreign bodies. To understand infections and immune diseases, and to establish therapeutic and preventive measures, we study innate and acquired immunities to non-self and self antigens as well as inflammatory reactions to them.

NEUROLOGY and SENSORY & LOCOMOTIVE SYSTEMS

Current Division Head

Dr. H. Toda, Neurosurgery

Participating Clinical Departments and/or Services

  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Orthopedics
  • Neurosurgery
  • Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery

Short Description of Research Projects

We study how outside information perceived by visual, auditory, surface sense and proprioception systems is integrated by brain, and then transmitted through the central and peripheral nervous systems as voluntary movements to the peripheral effectors such as muscles, bones and joints. For example, the ear drum regeneration therapy has been developed through a long and painstaking efforts, and has now been approved as the novel standard therapy. Clinical trials are also conducted for regenerative therapy for spinal injuries.

DEVELOPMENTAL & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Current Division Head

Dr. M. Shiota, Pediatrics

Participating Clinical Departments and/or Services

  • Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Surgery

Short Description of Research Projects

We conduct clinical studies in the field of pediatrics and pediatric surgery, applying our expertise in immunology, allergy, hematology, neurology, metabolism, endocrinology, neonatology and premature babies. Our publications include not only these research results but also case reports that can lead to the understanding of disease processes and to novel therapies. We also run clinical education programs for junior clinicians in collaboration with Kyoto University Hospital.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY

Current Division Head

Dr. M. Onoue, Pharmacy

Participating Clinical Departments and/or Services

  • Anesthesiology
  • Intensive Care
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pharmacy

Short Description of Research Projects

To control disease processes as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, we study body reactions to invasions caused by surgical operations, anesthesia, intensive care, and emergency medicine practices. Our Pharmacy staff conducts clinical research aiming to improve efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical therapies.

HEALTH SCIENCES

Current Division Head

Ms. M. Terai, Nursing

Participating Clinical Departments and/or Services

  • Radiology
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Clinical Lab
  • Medical Informatics
  • Nursing
  • Rehabilitation
  • Dentistry & Oral Surgery

Short Description of Research Projects

We conduct disease prevention and health promotion studies of our own as well as in collaboration with other divisions. They include advancing diagnostic imaging technology, investigation of radiation effects on tumors and host bodies, safety improvement of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, search for life styles that help prevent diseases, safety improvement in clinical tests and blood transfusion, medical informatics and data mining research, improving nursing quality, rehabilitation therapy to enhance physical functions, and oral care and disease prevention.