Message from the Professor of Radiation Oncology

Atsuya Takeda M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology
Keio University School of Medicine
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
A Tradition of Pioneering Care
Welcome to the Department of Radiation Oncology at Keio University School of Medicine. Our focus is the increasingly sophisticated and specialized field of therapeutic cancer treatment. We are proud to practice the academic discipline of Radiation Oncology, utilizing advanced radiation technologies to cure cancer.
Our department holds a unique place in Japanese medical history, having been founded in 1920—making it the oldest in Japan. Today, our expertise extends far beyond our rich history.
Our Collaborative Strength and Clinical Reach
We currently have a team of approximately 40 dedicated physicians operating at the forefront of the field across the Keio University Hospital and 16 affiliated institutions. Our strength lies in a harmonious and collaborative environment, where all staff members work together while engaging in friendly competition to continually hone their skills. Annually, we treat over 1,100 patients, offering the complete spectrum of radiation therapy options characteristic of a leading university hospital. We leverage our extensive experience and proven track record to ensure optimal, personalized treatment for every individual.
Cutting-Edge Treatments and Future Vision
We are deeply committed to utilizing the most advanced technologies to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize patient burden:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy: We actively employ Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for the brain and body.
- Brachytherapy: We provide comprehensive internal radiation, including intracavitary irradiation for cervical and uterine cancers, and interstitial irradiation, particularly for prostate cancer.
- Radioisotope (RI) Therapy: We offer internal radiotherapy options for managing bone metastases.
Looking ahead, we are poised to lead the next generation of cancer treatment by actively incorporating Theranostics. This cutting-edge approach uses molecular-targeted agents (ligands and antibodies carrying RIs) that accumulate at tumor sites, allowing us to simultaneously diagnose and treat cancer with unparalleled precision.
Advancing Science from Bench to Bedside
Our research is dedicated to rapidly translating scientific discovery into clinical benefit. We conduct robust clinical research on novel treatments for various malignancies, alongside fundamental basic research investigating the radiobiological effects of radiation—specifically focusing on cellular morphological changes, gene, and chromosome mutations. Our unwavering goal is to accelerate the delivery of research breakthroughs to cancer patients, providing hope and better outcomes as quickly as possible.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Experts
As a university department, education is one of our core missions. Through personalized one-on-one instruction, encompassing lectures and conferences, we train students, interns, and residents to cultivate outstanding expertise. Our curriculum emphasizes a holistic understanding of not only radiation oncology but also radiation biology, medical physics, diagnostic imaging, histopathology, and anatomy.
A Call for Talented Colleagues
I was appointed Professor of Radiation Oncology in April 2024, and I embrace the mission of fostering the growth and development of young physicians in this vital field. A university’s role—encompassing education, clinical practice, and research—is a tightly integrated loop: providing prompt, high-quality treatment; improving outcomes; and scientifically studying and globally publishing our findings.
As one of the major treatment center for cancer treatment, we collaborate closely with other departments to define the optimal treatment strategy, ensuring a shared understanding with every patient.
The demand for skilled radiation oncologists in Japan remains significantly high. Radiation Oncology is an undeniably expanding and indispensable pillar of modern cancer treatment. We urgently need to recruit talented personnel to join this fascinating field.
Furthermore, with the increasing incidence of female-specific cancers like breast and uterine cancer, there is tremendous opportunity for female physicians to contribute a unique, empathetic perspective to patient care. Our department currently includes three active female physicians at the university and affiliated hospitals.
We are actively seeking motivated individuals eager to pursue a career in Radiation Oncology. If you are interested in joining a team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and shaping the future of cancer care, please contact us.
