Chigusa Morizane, MD, PhD

Chigusa Morizane M.D. Ph.D
Name
Chigusa Morizane M.D. Ph.D
Organization
National Cnancer Center Hospital
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan in 1972. I graduated from Yokohama City University School of Medicine and trained as an Oncologist. Currently serving as the assistant Chief of Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology Division National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. I am overjoyed every time I see a slight improvement in a treatment strategy for a refractory disease. In my private life, I enjoy the beautiful and stimulating life in Japan with my wife and two beautiful children. I love listening to music. I look forward to going to the symphony halls in Chicago and San Francisco when I attend ASCO and GI-ASCO meetings.
Can you share one or two of your specific research interests?
I am interested in clinical trials and genomic medicine in the biliary tract cancer.
Why did you decide to specialize in hepatobiliary cancers?
hepatobiliary cancers are refractory and have few treatment options. The higher and steeper the wall, the more rewarding it is.
Can you describe one of the unforgettable moments in your patients care or research that has impacted your career?
I still remember the smile on the face of a biliary tract cancer patient who received a new investigational drug and showed dramatic response through an investigator-initiated clinical trial that we had designed, negotiated, and planned.
Can you tell us one thing collaboration with colleagues could accomplish that you could not accomplish on your own?
Biliary tract cancer is already not possible without close collaboration among all genres, including advanced biliary stent technology, advanced genomic medicine, treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, and countermeasures against side effects. It is a complex disease that cannot be covered by one person's ability.
If you had access to one resource that would move your research forward, what would that resource be?
Foundation for global investigator-initiated clinical trials through grants and provision of new drugs.
Collect samples from US, EU, and Asia to identify regional and racial differences.
How did you learn about the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation?
During the ASCO meeting, I was chatting with an expert doctor who invited me to join ICRN.
Can you tell us why you became a member of the ICRN?
At the first meeting, I found Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation to be a very exciting and wonderful group, so I decided to join.