Information on Genome & Genetics Center

Greetings from the Center Director

In recent years, it has become clear that genetic changes and genetic predispositions are involved not only in cancer but also in many diseases and pathological conditions, and genetic treatment and genetic counseling, including cancer treatment based on genetic information, are becoming more commonplace. It has become an important presence.

The Genetic Center was established in 2022 as one of the multidisciplinary medical departments with the aim of unifying the system of cancer genomic medicine and genetic medicine and strengthening cooperation with related medical departments.

At the Cancer Genome Testing Outpatient Clinic, we conduct cancer gene panel tests (cancer genome profiling tests) in order to practice cancer genome medicine beyond the boundaries of clinical departments. At the Genetic Counseling Outpatient Clinic, we handle a wide range of genetic diseases, not just hereditary tumors. We also offer consultations regarding genetic testing. At the Perinatal Genetic Consultation Outpatient Clinic, we provide genetic counseling and testing for non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT).

We will strive to provide easy-to-understand explanations to patients so that they can receive examinations and treatments with peace of mind.

Director of Genetic Center
Hisaaki Yasui

                                                             

What is heredity

Even though every blood family is different, why are they all similar in some way?
"Genes" play the role of blueprints that make up the body. We inherit one from our father and one from our mother, so we are similar to both. Everyone has "genes", but each "gene" is slightly different. Many of these differences are related to their individuality and individuality, but there are also differences related to "susceptibility to illness".

About genetic counseling

Genetic counseling is intended for these individuals.

Genetic counseling is a place to discuss what is necessary to live with "diseases and constitutions related to genes". We provide easy-to-understand, correct information based on medical evidence regarding disease and genetic testing. We will also organize the points for health management and treatment selection for yourself and each family member. If you have any worries or troubles, think together about what to do to solve them. If you have any questions about genetics, please feel free to contact us.

Characteristics of genetic centers

Cancer genomic testing outpatient
Cancer genomic medicine uses "cancer gene panel testing" to investigate genetic changes in cancer cells and aims to propose appropriate treatments for each patient. In some patients who undergo cancer gene panel testing, genetic alterations associated with hereditary tumors are found. Patients and family members suspected of having hereditary tumors are encouraged to visit a genetic counseling outpatient clinic.

About Cancer and Genetics
genetic counseling outpatient
Our medical staff, including Clinical Geneticist, genetic counselors, doctor in clinical departments dealing with genetic diseases, and nurses, work together as a team to provide genetic counseling and provide a wide range of consultations on genetic diseases regardless of field. doing. Since the beginning of genetic counseling, we have focused on the field of hereditary tumors. If the genetic test results are positive, measures will be taken according to the future risk, and follow-ups will be conducted in cooperation with the relevant clinical departments within the hospital.
In addition, we have established a system that allows us to perform risk-reducing surgery.
Perinatal Genetic Counseling Outpatient
At our hospital, we perform NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Testing) for pregnant women with single or twin pregnancies between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

constituent member

Cancer genomic testing outpatient

What is cancer genomic medicine?

Using cancer tissue, etc., a large number of cancer-related genes are examined simultaneously (cancer gene panel test), and by clarifying gene changes, treatment etc. is tailored to each individual's tumor characteristics and medical condition. It is medical to do. If changes in specific genes play an important role in cancer growth (driver genes), drugs that suppress the activity of those genes (molecular-targeted drugs, etc.) may be effective. . It will be possible to select drugs based on genetic changes in cancer cells, rather than the conventional standard treatment according to the primary organ.

Cancer genome test (cancer gene panel test) conducted at our hospital

After determining whether the patient's general condition is ready for testing, doctor determine whether or not the patient can undergo a cancer genome test. First, check with your doctor to see if you are eligible for the test.

*Of this, 10-30% will be your own expense.
Eligible for the high-cost medical care benefit system

Specimen condition

This test requires nucleic acid samples from cancer tissue for genetic analysis. Therefore, we ask that you provide a pathological block of tissue containing cancer (*) or a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) section.

(*) Tissue containing cancer: Use a biopsy sample for pathological examination of cancer or a tissue sample collected during surgery (preferably within 48 hours of formalin immersion and within 3 years after collection) ).

Flow of cancer genome testing

At our hospital, it takes about 1 to 2 months from the outpatient consultation for cancer genome testing to the explanation of the results. Genetic information returned from specialized analysis institutions is examined by an expert panel of experts familiar with cancer genomic medicine to determine whether there is a treatment or clinical trial that is suitable for the patient. explain the results. As a cancer genome medical collaborating hospital, our hospital has a tie-up with Kyoto University Hospital, a core hospital for cancer genomic medicine.

Things to keep in mind

Cancer genomic medicine has not only various advantages but also disadvantages. At the cancer genome testing outpatient clinic, we not only explain the test and results, but also take time to carefully explain the merits, demerits, and limitations of the test, and discuss together with the patient what options are available. I will think about it.

There are several points to keep in mind for cancer genomic testing, including:

Possibility of sample failure

Testing does not guarantee 100% success. The test itself may be unsuccessful due to reasons such as the poor condition of the specimen.

Unable to find effective therapeutic drugs / Possibility of not finding therapeutic drugs covered by insurance

Testing may provide information to help guide future treatment choices. On the other hand, even with cancer genome testing, only about 10 to 20% of patients can actually be treated due to reasons such as the lack of approved drugs. There are few clinical trials and advanced medical treatments based on genetic alterations, and there is the problem of extremely high costs when using unapproved drugs off-label.

Possibility of revealing innate constitution (susceptibility to cancer)

About 10% of cancers are known to be hereditary tumors, which are caused by a predisposition to develop cancer. Cancer genomics tests have a small percentage chance of finding genetic alterations associated with hereditary tumors.

At our hospital, we have a system in place to discuss various questions that arise when a hereditary tumor is suspected, together at the genetic counseling outpatient clinic.

Providing information to C-CAT

By registering the data used in cancer genome testing with C-CAT, it is possible to obtain information useful for medical treatment, such as information on drugs and clinical trials. It will also be useful for the development of new therapeutic drugs in the future.

Cancer genome test application method

Cancer genomic testing outpatient is only available on Tuesday afternoons.

If you are visiting our hospital

Please consult your doctor.

If you have not visited our hospital

After consulting with your family doctor, please have your family doctor make a fax appointment in advance.
Documents required for FAX reservation are "medical information provision form" and "additional interview items". Please send a fax to our Regional Medical Cooperation Center (FAX: 078-302-2251).

medical information sheet
Additional question items

genetic counseling outpatient

Genetic Counseling Outpatient

Please make a reservation in advance when visiting the hospital. Depending on the content of the consultation, the treatment may be covered by insurance or not covered by insurance (own expense). On the day of genetic counseling, please come directly to the reception desk on the 2nd floor of the South Building of our clinic.
*From the point of view of personal information, we may not be able to respond to consultations regarding the illness of people other than the family of the caller.

For those planning to receive genetic counseling

Genetic counseling is a place to discuss what is necessary to live with "diseases and constitutions related to genes".

Outpatient day and cost

Day of the week: Every Friday

Cost: Depending on the content of the consultation, treatment may be covered by insurance or not covered by insurance (own expense).
In the case of non-insured (self-financed) medical care, the following applies.

  1. First time 60 minutes 6,600 yen (including consumption tax)
  2. 3,300 yen (including consumption tax) for 30 minutes after the second time

*Additional fees are required for examinations and consultations with other departments. The cost of the test will be announced during genetic counseling.

What to bring on the day
  • Health insurance card
  • letter of introduction

On the day of the event, we will check your family history as much as possible and create a family tree.

Considerations

We basically handle all disease areas, but we cannot accept paternity tests.
After receiving your reservation, we may contact you by phone to confirm the details of your consultation.
In addition, as a general rule, please visit the department in charge of our hospital before and after genetic counseling.
We recommend that you consult with us regarding your treatment policy.

Reservation method

Reservations are required for outpatient genetic counseling.
If you are already in a hospital, please make a reservation by fax through your doctor. When making a reservation, a fax reservation application form and a medical information provision form are required.

Click here for FAX reservation application form

If you do not have a family medical institution (if you are considering a blood relative diagnosis), please contact the person in charge below directly. For consanguineous testing, we need a copy of your family's genetic test results.

To everyone who is considering blood relative diagnosis

Hospital representative: 078-302-4321 (reception: weekdays 9:00-17:00)
Person in charge: Urakawa, Daido, Takabuchi (genetic counselor)




clinical research

Research subject name responsible doctor approval month Explanatory text
Creating a database of BRCA genetic tests Nobutaka Hayashi March 2024 PDF

Perinatal Genetic Counseling Outpatient

NIPT

Recently, in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, awareness of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Testing), a test that uses maternal blood to check for specific fetal chromosomal abnormalities before birth, is spreading, and our hospital has also established a system to implement it. We have an accredited infrastructure and offer genetic counseling and testing.

NIPT examines the possibility of the baby having a chromosomal disorder (trisomy 21, trisomy 18, trisomy 13) by examining maternal blood. Undergoing NIPT is an option when the incidence of these chromosomal disorders is high:

  • elderly pregnant women
  • If maternal serum marker testing suggests the baby may have a chromosomal abnormality
  • Pregnant women with a history of pregnancies with babies with chromosomal abnormalities
  • One parent has a balanced Robertsonian translocation, suggesting that the baby may have trisomy 13 or trisomy 21
  • If fetal ultrasound suggests the baby may have a chromosomal abnormality

However, regardless of the frequency of occurrence of the target disease, for pregnant women whose concerns about chromosomal abnormalities in their babies cannot be resolved even after genetic counseling, we will provide sufficient information and support before making decisions on their own. will be honored.

Target audience and location

NIPT is intended for pregnant women between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation with a single or twin pregnancy.

Genetic counseling and testing are available at the perinatal genetic counseling outpatient clinic.

Reservation method

Reservations and information for the perinatal genetic consultation outpatient clinic are available at the Obstetrics Outpatient Department of our hospital.

Those who are visiting the obstetrics outpatient department of our hospital If you wish to have NIPT at , please consult your doctor.
Other hospital family If you wish to have NIPT at our hospital, please consult your obstetrician Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Please make an appointment to see an obstetrician outpatient at our hospital.

news

access

For access to our hospital, please click here.

We have a main building and a south building. Genetic counseling is available on the 2nd floor of the South Building. After exiting the Iryo Center station ticket gate and going straight to the left, you will find the entrance on the 2nd floor of the South Building.

Please go to the reception desk at the entrance on the 2nd floor of the South Building to complete the procedures for visiting the hospital.

Link

Society of genetics

The Japan Society of Human Genetics

Japan Society of Genetic Counseling

The Japanese Society for Hereditary Tumors

Cancer genomic testing outpatient

"Cancer" and "heredity" Q&A

Cancer genomic medicine and cancer gene panel testing

Cancer information service

Tell me about cancer genomic medicine

The story of cancer gene panel testing

Perinatal Genetic Counseling Outpatient

Let's think together, examination of the baby in the stomach