State-of-the-art exosome testing enables ultra-early detection of cancer!
What is an exosome?
Exosomes are “extracellular vesicles” only 1/10,000th of a millimeter in diameter. They are like small pouches that carry intracellular information and are known to be secreted by almost all cells. Exosomes also contain “microRNA,” which was the focus of attention in the vaccine for the new coronavirus. Cells use these microRNAs in exosomes to exchange information with each other.
Exosomes as a Potential Cancer Risk Test
In the past, time-consuming and labor-intensive tests such as CT imaging and endoscopy were commonly used. However, the two revolutionary tests we have adopted at our clinic can now easily determine the risk of pancreatic and other digestive cancers by reading “exosomes,” which carry information in cells contained in the blood.
What is the most advanced pancreatic cancer risk test?
Blood test to determine the risk of very early pancreatic cancer, which is difficult to detect with diagnostic imaging and other methods.
Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is an important organ that secretes digestive fluids called pancreatic juice and hormones such as insulin. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages because it forms deep in the body and is difficult to be aware of. Compared to other cancers, pancreatic cancer has the lowest five-year survival rate, and since 2013, more than 30,000 people have died each year from the disease. In the treatment of pancreatic cancer, it is often too late to detect the disease once subjective symptoms appear, so it is very important to undergo regular checkups and early detection.
Measurement of unique markers “Panc1” and “Panc2” in exosomes secreted by cancer cells
It measures specific proteins on the surface of exosomes and within the exosomes out of 500 different types.
Panc1
A (+) is indicated when the risk of early pancreatic cancer is higher than that of a healthy person, and a (i) is indicated when the risk is about the same. Other (+) may also be given in the case of other pancreas-related diseases such as diabetes, pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, pancreatic stone disease, heredity (HBOC, Lynch syndrome), lifestyle-related diseases, etc.
Panc2
It is a general-purpose marker that indicates (+) when the risk of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, or non-cancer diseases, etc., is higher than that of healthy people.
It is also possible to distinguish between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, which has been difficult to distinguish in the past.
What is the state-of-the-art digestive cancer risk test?
Cancer of the digestive system accounts for about half of all cancers
One out of every two people will develop cancer. This test can detect digestive cancers, which account for about half of all cancers, in an unaware stage. Cancer is the leading cause of death among Japanese people. In other words, cancer is a disease that anyone can get. Among such cancers, cancers of the digestive organs account for about half of all cancers.
Cancer affects such a large number of people, but the most important thing is early detection. With the development of medical science, as long as it can be detected early, the best treatment options are available. Cancer now has a high possibility of being cured, and it can be said to be an illness that can be conquered. However, when digestive system cancer is detected after symptoms are recognized, it is often in an advanced stage, making a radical cure difficult.
In order for you to lead a healthy and prosperous life, it is very important to have regular checkups and early detection, just like the pancreas test mentioned above, even if you have no subjective symptoms. This test measures GI-1, a unique marker on exosomes secreted by cancer cells, to determine the risk of developing digestive system cancer. It can measure specific proteins on the surface of exosomes and within 500 different types of exosomes.
A single blood sample can measure the risk of five types of cancer: stomach cancer, esophagus cancer, colorectal cancer, gall bladder cancer, and liver cancer.
Dr. Takahiro Ochiya, a leading expert in exosome research and regenerative medicine
We have formed a business alliance with Dr. Takahiro Ochiya as our advisor and with a laboratory that possesses the most advanced cell culture and processing technology. We provide stem cell therapy and immunotherapy, which have been very well received.
Dr. Takahiro Ochiya
Professor of Tokyo Medical University / medical doctor
Head of Molecular Cell Therapy Research Department, National Cancer Center Research Institute
In 2017, he was selected by the Nobel Committee as one of the 10 most remarkable researchers in the world, and in 2022, Clarivate Analytics announced the most influential scientific researchers and their institutions in terms of H papers, and Prof. Takahiro Ochiai was selected as one of the top 1% of researchers in the world for the fourth consecutive year. He has been recognized as one of the top 1% researchers in the world for four consecutive years.
As a partner clinic for your life, we have brought together expert doctors in various fields. After the examination, our director, Dr. Eri Katagiri, who has a wealth of experience and knowledge as an internist, will provide follow-up treatment based on the results of the examination and an assessment of each patient’s individual constitution. We also provide thorough support, including referrals to affiliated medical institutions when necessary.
Charge
| (data) item | Fee (JPY, excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Risk Testing | 80,000 |
| Advanced Digestive Cancer Risk Testing | 80,000 |
- All of the above fees are only applicable to patients who present a valid Japanese health insurance card and who are fluent in Japanese and have no difficulty with the counseling process. For other patients, please refer to the estimate after the counseling.
