In the next instalment of our ‘Meet the Researcher’ series, we’re delving into the world of Dr Jun Ishihara, who is a lecturer in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London.
Read our interview to learn about Dr Ishihara's journey into research and how his upbringing in Tokyo inspired this path.
What is your project about and how will it help patients?
The project is focused on creating immunotherapy that is safe and effective for osteosarcoma patients.
Creating new therapies should always be a priority for patients with diseases that are difficult to treat. The goal of this project is to provide treatment that is more effective to give osteosarcoma patients the greatest chance of survival.
Why is it so important to conduct this research into osteosarcoma?
When I was reading papers on osteosarcoma, I was very shocked by the few treatment options available. I was also surprised that younger generations count for over half of the patient population.
I wanted to conduct this research to provide a novel treatment that is effective in the long-term, so that patients are not afraid of the disease coming back and spreading to other parts of their bodies in the future.
Why did you decide to explore immunotherapy?
As a protein engineer, my specialism is proteins and immune activation against cancer occurring.
Immunotherapy is a new area which dramatically improved therapeutic outcomes for other cancers. As my expertise lies in modifying and improving treatments, I really want to apply these advancements to osteosarcoma to help improve outcomes for these patients.
This type of treatment supports the body's immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells so it offers a novel, more targeted approach for osteosarcoma patients.
When did you first know that you wanted a career in research?
Throughout my childhood my father was a professor in Tokyo, and I was really intrigued by his career when I was younger. He was always busy and highly respected in my home.
After deciding to follow his footsteps, I realised that research is a fulfilling job because you are always looking to the future. Being part of the dream that one day we will find a cure for osteosarcoma is truly special.
Who do you admire in the history of science and why?
I look up to Professor Robert Langer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who is a prominent figure in the field of bioengineering.
He is the co-founder of Moderna, a company which produced one of the vaccines used against Covid-19. Before this success, many people told him that he should give up, but he kept going. Eventually Professor Langer used science to save lives, and I find his story really encouraging.
Do you have a message for patients going through treatment?
Even if it's not today or tomorrow, eventually we will find a cure for primary bone cancer. There is always hope.
There's lots of promising research that's going on in the field, and I think the work that's being done now will go on to change the world and revolutionise treatment in the future.
Tomorrow is better than today. I want patients who are going through difficult times to know that we are doing everything in our power to change that.
Do you have a message for BCRT and Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony supporters?
I want to say a huge thank you for making this research possible. Without you this work to find more effective treatments for future patients could not go ahead, and I am in awe of all the fundraising you have done to make this happen.
Scientists, fundraisers and charities are all part of one big team, and it is only through our collective efforts and collaboration that we can work towards a brighter future for osteosarcoma patients.
To find out more about Dr Ishihara's research project, visit the link below:
This research project was also made possible by the Albert Gubay Foundation