Welcome to the homepage of the Division of Molecular Pathology at the Research Institute.
On January 1, 2024, the Division of Molecular Pathology was established at the Tochigi Cancer Center Research Institute, and I was appointed as its first chair. In addition to this role, I also serve as the head of the Department of Pathology in the hospital’s Clinical Services Division. The Division of Molecular Pathology and the Department of Pathology operate as an integrated unit.
In the Department of Pathology, we have direct access to resected specimens, enabling us to observe the macroscopic features of tumors, conduct pathological morphological analyses, and engage in daily discussions with clinicians through regular multidisciplinary team meetings.. This allows us to acquire a clinically relevant, pathology-based understanding of diseases. At the same time, the Division of Molecular Pathology is equipped with the necessary experimental equipment to facilitate various research projects inspired by these clinical insights. Taking full advantage of this favorable research environment, our goal is to continuously explore the “next step” in cancer treatment.
Our division includes not only pathologists but also clinicians and researchers with PhDs in the sciences, all of whom are engaged in cancer-focused research. As our overarching theme. We are committed to advancing cancer care through pathology-based research, contributing to the institute’s mission of reducing cancer mortality in Tochigi Prefecture.
For cancer research beyond our division’s expertise, we actively pursue collaborative studies with other institutions. Additionally, we work in close partnership with the Tochigi Cancer Biobank, the only repository of its kind in the prefecture. We welcome collaborations with companies that share our strong commitment to advancing cancer treatment.
From Tochigi Prefecture, in the heart of northern Kanto, we are committed to advancing cancer care—first for our local community, and ultimately for patients across Japan.
The Nikko Mountains as Seen from Utsunomiya City
From left: Mt. Nantai(2,486 m), Mt. Taro (2,368 m), Mt. O-Manago(2,376 m), Mt. Ko-Manago(2,323 m), and Mt. Nyoho(2,483 m).
Chair’s Profile
Hidenori Ojima, M.D., Ph.D.
Vice Director, Tochigi Cancer Center Research Institute
Chair, Division of Molecular Pathology
Deputy Director, Clinical Services Division
Head, Department of Pathology
Director, Clinical Laboratory Center
Director, Biobank Center
Visiting Researcher, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Cancer Genomics Division
Chair, Division of Molecular Pathology
Deputy Director, Clinical Services Division
Head, Department of Pathology
Director, Clinical Laboratory Center
Director, Biobank Center
Visiting Researcher, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Cancer Genomics Division
Education
- 1990 – Entered Asahikawa Medical University, Faculty of Medicine
- 1996 – Graduated from Asahikawa Medical University, Faculty of Medicine
- 2006 – Entered Keio University, Graduate School of Medicine
- 2008 – Completed Keio University, Graduate School of Medicine
Professional Experience
- 1996 – Resident, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital
- 1998 – Staff Physician, Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University Hospital
- 1999 – Assistant Professor, Second Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University
- 2000 – Chief Resident, National Cancer Center Hospital
- 2001 – Researcher, Division of Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute
- 2012 – Senior Researcher, Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute
- 2014 – Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine
- 2024 – Appointed to current positions at Tochigi Cancer Center
Major Academic and Professional Activities
- The Japanese Society of Pathology – Board-Certified Pathologist, Instructor, Scientific Councilor
- Member, Genomic Pathological Diagnosis Committee
- Member, Diagnostic Pathology Summer Fest Committee
- Member, General Rules for the Study of Cancer Committee
- The Japanese Cancer Association – Councilor
- The Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan
- Councilor
- Member, Practical Committee for the Guidelines on Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
- Reviewer, Liver Cancer Follow-up Survey Papers
- Member, Pathology Subcommittee for the General Rules for the Clinical and Pathological Study of Primary Liver Cancer
- The Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
- Member, Biliary Cancer Classification Committee
- The Japan Society of Hepatology
- Member, Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Guidelines Revision Committee
- Member, NASH Pathology Working Group
- Japan Biliary Association – Board-Certified Biliary Doctor / Specialist
- The Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology
- The Japanese Society of Medical Imaging – Councilor
- The Liver Hemodynamics and Functional Imaging Research Group – Secretary
- The Liver Cancer Case Study Group – Secretary
- Japan College of Primary Care Physicians – Board-Certified Specialist
- The United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP)
- United European Gastroenterology (UEG)
Awards
- 2010 – Case Study Award, The Japanese Society of Pathology
- 2019 – Academic Research Award, The Japanese Society of Pathology
- 2020 – Academic Encouragement Award, Asahikawa Medical University Alumni Association
- 2026 – President's Award, Tochigi Cancer Center
Contributions to Society
- Member, Japanese Society of Pathology Medical Practice Committee, Consultation System (Liver and Pancreatobiliary Fields)
- Consultant, National Cancer Center, Cancer Control Research Institute, Pathology Diagnosis Consultation Promotion Office