Nuclear oncology as seen by me in Japan: a historical review and future perspective

Since 1964 the author has seen and experienced the progress of nuclear medicine in Japan. The purpose of this review article is to trace the application of radiopharmaceuticals and instruments for the diagnosis of tumors and treatment of cancers in the past 55 years. The application of various radiopharmaceuticals for the detection of tumors and therapy of cancers are historically reviewed based on the author's personal clinical experience and research work. Nuclear medicine has been advanced by coordinated developments of instruments and radiopharmaceuticals like two wheels of a vehicle. The journey of nuclear medicine in the past was not necessarily a smooth one having met with periodic difficulties that changed its direction. The ways by which nuclear oncology has progressed by having overcome episodic problems are described. Future perspectives focusing on the recent trend of theranostics are described with the emphasis on efforts being made by the leadership of JSNM to contribute to the progress of nuclear medicine worldwide. The author believes that the multi-and trans-disciplinary collaboration of related specialists as well as other concerned parties will be necessary for the further progress of nuclear oncology in the future.