May 14 - Few people realize that the American Embassy also promotes collaboration between the United States and Japan on health issues. I'd like to introduce Mietek Boduszynski from our Environment, Science, Technology, and Health Unit, who will tell you about his rewarding work.

Jim

The Global Fight against Cancer

The workshop event at Tokyo American Center.

Upon joining the State Department, I certainly did not imagine I would contribute to the global fight against cancer. One of my most satisfying projects has been working to promote U.S.-Japan collaboration in cancer clinical trials. Last year, we partnered with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, the Japan National Cancer Center, the Tokyo American Center, St. Luke's International Hospital and others on a workshop for American and Japanese cancer experts to discuss how to strengthen the infrastructure for clinical trials in Japan and promote international collaboration in clinical trials.

Now we are organizing a study tour so that U.S. and Japanese patient groups can network and share advocacy strategies. Together with the South Korean and British Embassies and the Japan Health Policy Institute, we are co-sponsoring a symposium in Tokyo on May 25 where experts from our four countries will discuss ways to increase international collaboration and strengthen the infrastructure for clinical trials.

I have learned that bringing research in the life sciences "from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside" requires great investments of time, resources, and people. Japanese and American scientists working together have already improved the lives of cancer patients. Further collaboration will accelerate the discovery of new treatments for cancer.

I am proud that my "science diplomacy" contributes to the U.S.-Japan relationship. Indeed, with some of the leading scientists, hospitals, doctors, and research institutions in the world, the U.S. and Japan can help improve and extend the lives of patients in both countries and around the world by working together.