J-SUPPORT: With patients and the public

The Japan Supportive, Palliative and Psychosocial Oncology Group (J-SUPPORT) was established on February 19, 2016 with the aim of implementing and supporting high-quality clinical research on supportive, palliative, and psychological care for patients with cancer, to improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients and their families. Individual research projects are supported by J-SUPPORT mentors who provide assistance with concept creation. Eighteen projects have been approved in accordance with J-SUPPORT policy, and the projects are managed and implemented after obtaining competitive public and private research funding. J-SUPPORT is maintained as a permanent multicenter clinical research system and is operated as a voluntary organization with offices in the Innovation Center for Supportive, palliative and Psychosocial Care, National Cancer Center Hospital and the Division of Survivorship Innovation Center for Research, Institute for Cancer Control.
Activities are informed by four operation policies.
A. All Japan　
Call on related organizations nationwide, and mobilize all available resources, while being unconstrained by specific existing organizations
B. Bridging and optimizing　
Optimize small-scale research throughout Japan through bridge-building mediation at an early concept stage
C. Cooperation　
Respect and cooperate with existing research groups to lead to reliable outcomes without becoming mired in individual interests, and work hard for patients and their families throughout Japan
D. Dialogue and diversity　
Hold repeated dialogue among stakeholders, while respecting regional, group, institutional, and occupational differences, working to develop supportive care

Since its establishment in 2016, the altruistic activities of J-SUPPORT have borne fruit, with all 18 research projects successfully obtaining competitive funding as J-SUPPORT-approved research. Six of the research projects have been completed and published as papers, and one (Olanzapine Study for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting) has led to the development of treatment guidelines and been listed on health insurance almost simultaneously. We will push forward with commercialization strategies and take on the challenge of developing pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health care. We will also pursue more patient and public involvement (PPI), as well as the involvement of medical welfare organizations, companies, the academe, and government to gain a more sensitive understanding of social trends.

Yosuke Uchitomi, M.D., Ph.D.

Chair, Japan Supportive, Palliative and Psychosocial Oncology Group, J-SUPPORT

March 2022

https://www.j-support.org/