Welcome Message
Michiie Sakamoto, M.D.,Ph.D.
President of the 108th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Pathology
Professor of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine
It is a great honor for me to be the president of the 108th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Pathology (JSP). Keio University was the host for the 101st Annual Meeting under the presidency of Dr. Yasunori Okada. After celebrated its first centennial anniversary, the JSP is looking forward to the advances and challenges that its second 100 years will bring.
The theme of the 108th Annual Meeting is the challenges of morphological studies. Morphology is the fundamental basis of pathology, and the inclusion of molecular pathology and IT will enhance the insight gained through pathological observations and will further enhance their power. Progress in imaging diagnostics such as endoscopy, ultrasound, and radiology has developed closer image with pathological findings. Moreover, developments in therapeutics now allow us to treat diseases that previously could not be cured. In this background, I would say that the greatest attraction of pathology is how we are able to provide a more precise clearer overall picture (map) of a disease.
Focusing on the goal of establishing a precise assessment of disease based on pathological, molecular, and IT viewpoints, the 108th Annual Meeting consists of 3 special symposiums, 7 symposiums, and 16 workshops. The special symposiums will focus on the most recent medical trends: cancer genome medicine, the immune microenvironment, and ICT and AI in pathology informatics. General topics at the symposium include discussions on the pathology of oxidative stress, glycosylation and pathology, gene mutation and immunostaining, tissue visualization, and organoids and PDX. Further, pathology education and medical care systems will be discussed. The workshops will focus on recent advances in whole organ system pathology, and some of the meetings will be held as international sessions. General topics will mostly be covered in poster presentations within a large dedicated space and with sufficient plenary discussion time. On the final day, poster presentations will be dedicated to young scientists. Awards will be given for excellent work, and we hope that junior scientists can enjoy fruitful interactions with their seniors.
The regular Japan Pathology Award lectures, various educational programs, international exchange programs, and co-hosted seminars will be held as usual. We plan to have a large number of co-sponsored seminars in wider exhibition halls. In this way, the latest information on progress in diagnostic equipment and companion diagnosis, and the newest perspectives on diagnosis and treatment can be easily accessed.
Tokyo is preparing to welcome The Olympic Games in 2020, and the 108th Annual Meeting will be held in the spring of 2019, just one year ahead of The Games. I hope that the many attendees will participate fully and greatly enjoy the three days of the 108th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Pathology.