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It is desirable not only that cancers be cured, but also that
the therapies cause minimal damage to the patient's organs and physical form
in consideration of the patient's rehabilitation. An advanced charged particle
therapy for cancer is expected to be a human friendly therapy that places fewer
physical burdens on patients. It has a powerful therapeutic effect, especially
on intractable cancers, and has been approved as a highly advanced medical
technology by the
Ministry
of
Health, Labour and Welfare. The Research Center for Charged Particle Therapy,
as a leading research institute in this field, undertakes research and development
for the
further
advancement
and dissemination of this therapy.
Molecular imaging is a new field by which molecular behavior
and function in the living body can be visualized noninvasively. In view of
the worldwide explosion of interest in this field, we have established the
Molecular Imaging Center at the NIRS, which has long experience with medical
imaging technologies including positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). The Center conducts an extensive range of studies,
from basic science and technology for molecular imaging to application studies
for diagnosis and pathophysiology of oncology and psychiatry. Current projects
include the development of molecular probes and radiopharmaceutical production
techniques and the investigation of measurement techniques for PET and MRI,
in addition to preclinical and clinical applications in oncology and psychiatric
and neurological diseases. The Center, as a world leader in molecular imaging
research, provides facilities, equipment, and support systems for these studies.
The regulation and control of radiation use based on scientific
evidence is essential for the safe and reliable use of radiation. The Research
Center for Radiation Protection first investigates how much radiation exposure
occurs from environmental radiation, radioactive substances, and the use of
radiation in medicine and other industries.The Research Center quantitatively
assesses the effects of radiation on humans and the environment, and clarifies
the mechanisms underlying these effects. The Research Center disseminates its
research results to promote public understanding of radiation effects and to
encourage the enactment of more reasonable regulations concerning the use of
radiation. The scope of its activity is not limited to Japan. It has been appointed
a collaborating centre by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Collaborations
with the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation,
the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the World Health Organization,
and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development have been carried
out to determine the effects of radiation for the establishment of more rational
regulations for the use of radiation.
Although careful attention is paid to the safe use of radiation,
and appropriate radiation protection measures are taken, the probability of
a radiation exposure accident is not zero. When an accident occurs, either
a nuclear disaster or a radiation release accident, workers or residents may
be exposed to radiation or contaminated with radioactive substances and require
special medical care, which is called radiation emergency medicine.
The NIRS is positioned as the national center for radiation emergency medical
preparedness in the nuclear disaster prevention system of Japan and assumes
the role of a specialized radiation emergency hospital to provide advanced
radiation emergency medicine. The center conducts various studies and investigations,
keeps the radiation emergency medicine system on standby, and maintains the
facilities and devices for emergency.
This center performs advanced research and development
necessary for the support of the activities of the NIRS.
It manufactures major items of research equipment for the
Institute and ensures the safety of laboratory apparatus.