[Translational research for cancer therapeutics]

The importance and necessity of promoting translational research in Japan are well recognized. Successful development of molecular cancer therapeutics is strongly dependent on the promotion of such translational research. Obviously, the success of translational research in the field of molecular cancer therapeutics is essential for the development of new drugs for cancer treatment in the 21st century. For this purpose, the formation of research teams composed of basic molecular biologists, basic pharmacological scientists and clinical physicians is important. At the same time, the research must be conducted on a scientific basis with the reliable and speedy development of supporting systems in Japan.