Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Innovative TreatmentMedicine and Medical Science

Specially Appointed Professor Koichi Omori

Head and neck tumors can arise in various regions, including the sinonasal cavity, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, salivary glands, and thyroid. Treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can significantly affect patients’ quality of life (QOL). Our department is committed to achieving curative outcomes while minimizing invasiveness and preserving QOL. We incorporate cutting-edge advances in immunotherapy, regenerative medicine and artificial intelligence. In our department, we strive to optimize treatment strategies and promote the development of medical devices through a wide range of research activities, aiming to deliver more effective and less invasive therapies.

Research and Education

  1. Regarding mucosal malignant melanoma, a highly aggressive tumor, we are conducting clinical studies to gather knowledge and explore the optimal combination and timing of treatments in the head and neck region, with a particular focus on optimizing the use of immunotherapy to improve patient prognosis.
  2. We are engaged in clinical research on physiological tracheal reconstruction using artificial tracheas developed through regenerative medicine techniques, with the aim of achieving global clinical application.
  3. We are conducting investigator-initiated multicenter clinical studies on esophageal malignancies to develop novel multidisciplinary treatment strategies.
  4. We are engaged in the development of novel diagnostic and surgical devices. Through cadaveric dissection, we evaluate their efficacy and safety, aiming for clinical implementation that enables innovative surgical approaches.
  5. Our research also extends to the field of artificial intelligence, aiming to develop AI-assisted diagnostic methods for laryngeal cancer.

Recent Publications

  1. Nomura M, Hosokai T, Tamaoki M, Yokoyama A, Matsumoto S, Muto M. Timing of the infusion of nivolumab for patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus influences its efficacy. Esophagus. sophagus. 2023;20(4):722-731. doi: 10.1007/s10388-023-01006-y..
  2. Nomura M. Definitive treatment for head and neck mucosal melanoma. Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2023;53(12):1112-1118. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyad109.
  3. Honda K, Omori K, Kishimoto Y. Anatomical variations in the superficial venous system of the neck: an image-based study using contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Surg Radiol Anat. 2024;46(5):669-677. doi: 10.1007/s00276-024-03326-9.
  4. Nomura M, Yamaguchi T, Chin K, Hato S, Kato K, Baba E, Matsubara H, Mukaida H, Yoshii T, Tsuda M, Tsubosa Y, Kitagawa Y, Oze I, Ishikawa H, Muto M. Phase II Trial of Adjuvant S-1 Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Surgery in Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The PIECE Trial. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Jan;32(1):302-311. doi: 10.1245/s10434-024-16325-2. PMID: 39375260
  5. Honda K, Omori K, Suehiro A, Kishimoto Y, Kojima T, Hamaguchi K, Kawai Y, Fujimura S, Iwanaga K, Kitada Y. Medial-to-Lateral Approach in Neck Dissection. Head Neck. 2025 Apr;47(4):1306-1310. doi: 10.1002/hed.28105. PMID: 39925161

Faculty Members

Specially Appointed Professor: Koichi Omori
Program-Specific Associate Professor: Keigo Honda
Program-Specific Lecturer: Motoo Nomura

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