Takuro Morinaga’s Fight Against Cancer Shows the Impact of the New Cancer Treatment “Do What You Want to Do Until the End of Your Life” on the Medical Community

How to Fight Against Unidentified Cancer

Mr. Morinaga lost his life due to cancer of unknown origin. What kind of treatment methods are available for “cancer of unknown primary”?

The term “cancer of unknown primary” refers to “cancer in which the organ from which it originated cannot be identified. It accounts for 1-2% of all cancers and is considered to be highly difficult to diagnose and treat. It is diagnosed using the latest diagnostic methods, including the following

– Immunohistochemical staining (IHC): examines proteins on the surface of cancer cells to estimate the primary tumor

– Molecular cancer classification assay (MCCA): analyzes the genes of cancer cells to identify which organ they most likely originated from. The patient can choose whether to have the procedure performed within the scope of standard treatment or as an advanced medical treatment in an unrestricted manner.

Based on the results of IHC and MCCA, the most appropriate treatment is selected. Molecularly targeted drugs and immunotherapy may be used to target genetic mutations or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Comprehensive molecular profiling (CMP), a treatment method that analyzes the genetic information of cancer cells and selects the most appropriate therapeutic agent, is also available.”

As Mr. Morinaga said before his death, all advanced medical treatments are expensive. By speaking frankly about the circumstances of his treatment, he gave us, the survivors, a basis for making our own decisions.

Mr. Morinaga’s life during his battle with cancer was a great opportunity to spread the concept of “the importance of QOL” and “patient-centered medicine” in cancer treatment to society. It will become increasingly important for medical care to respect how patients want to live their lives, rather than just aiming to cure the disease. Medical care in the future should evolve to support “living life to the end in one’s own way,” as he did.

Mr. Morinaga, who has been fearless in making proposals mainly in the field of economics, has left us with valuable lessons to learn in the field of medicine and philosophy of life.