The Japan Cancer Neuroscience Network (J-CNN)

Background
Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated that both the central and peripheral nervous systems interact with cancer cells not only through direct mechanisms—such as synapse formation and the secretion of signaling factors—but also via indirect pathways that influence immune components and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment. This neuro-tumor crosstalk represents a crucial regulatory axis governing key processes in tumor biology, including tumorigenesis, growth and progression, invasion and metastasis, acquisition of therapeutic resistance, activation of inflammatory signaling, and impairment of anti-tumor immune responses. Accordingly, it has emerged as a paradigm shift in the field of cancer research.
Against this backdrop, the interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving field of Cancer Neuroscience has gained considerable momentum on the global stage. This emerging discipline is driving the integration of previously siloed domains—neuroscience and oncology—into a cohesive framework. Research exploring neuro-cancer interactions not only deepens our understanding of tumor initiation, progression, and resistance mechanisms, but also offers promising avenues for identifying novel therapeutic targets and conceptual models grounded in neuro-tumor-immune interplay. Moreover, this research trajectory is anticipated to play a transformative role in reshaping existing therapeutic paradigms.

Objective of Establishing the J-CNN
Cancer Neuroscience is a highly interdisciplinary research domain that spans a wide array of fields, including cell biology, tumor biology, neuroscience, neurochemistry, and immunology. Due to its inherently cross-cutting nature, the integration of knowledge and dialogue across academic boundaries is essential. Nevertheless, in Japan, the field remains in its infancy, and the development of a robust research infrastructure and scholarly community is an urgent priority.
In response to this need, the Japan Cancer Neuroscience Network (J-CNN) aims to revitalize and elevate cancer neuroscience research domestically and establish Japan’s international presence in the field. By convening researchers with diverse expertise and backgrounds, J-CNN fosters the exchange of cutting-edge findings, cultivates forward-looking discussions, and promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration. Through these initiatives, it supports the emergence and growth of innovative research seeds and contributes to the advancement of this emerging discipline.

Organizing committee members
Yonehiro Kanemura, M.D., Ph.D. (Institute for Clinical Research, NHO Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan)
Daisuke Kawauchi, Ph.D. (Department of Neuro-Oncology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya Japan)
Naofumi Uesaka, Ph.D. (Department of Cognitive Neurobiology, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan)
Minoru Narita, Ph.D. (Department of Pharmacology, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan)
Masato Sawada, Ph.D. (Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya Japan)

Japan Cancer Neuroscience Meeting 2025

Date: October 18, 2025 (Sat), 13:00–18:00
Venue: Nagoya City University, Sakurayama Campus
Organizer: Japan Cancer Neuroscience Network