Founder Hiroyuki Abe

The origins of Tokyo Cancer Clinic lie in the lifelong aspiration of its founder, Dr. Hiroyuki Abe, who refined his medical expertise through years of clinical practice and research at medical institutions in Japan and abroad, driven by a single belief: to realize truly ideal medical care.That philosophy and commitment continue to serve as the foundation of our clinic’s medical practice today.

Here, we present the life journey and convictions of our founder.

The Beginning of His Calling to Medicine

Dr. Abe was born in 1938 in Niseko, Hokkaido, and was still a child when World War II came to an end. He grew up with his family in the forests overlooking Mt. Washibetsu. Though life was not materially abundant, living in harmony with nature fostered in him a deep respect for others and an enduring sense of balance and compassion.

A life-changing experience came when a physician saved his father from a serious injury. Inspired by that moment, Dr. Abe resolved to pursue medicine. Leaving home alone for Sapporo, he supported himself through hardship and study, eventually embarking on his path as a physician.

Learning the Essence of Medicine in a Doctorless Community

After graduating from Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Dr. Abe joined the Second Department of Surgery. He was later assigned for an extended period to the Isoya rural medical outpost, located in a remote area with no resident physicians.
Although this assignment delayed his formal training in his specialty of cardiac surgery, the three years he spent caring for patients under difficult conditions through trial and error became a time of deep reflection on what true medicine is and what patients truly seek.

This experience became the cornerstone of his career as a physician—shaping his lifelong pursuit of medicine that treats the person, not just the disease, and that walks alongside patients throughout their lives.

Learning from the World, Giving Back to Japanese Medicine

In 1971, Dr. Abe moved to the United States, where he conducted research at Hahnemann Medical College while obtaining U.S. medical licensure. After completing a clinical fellowship at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania, he trained at the Cleveland Clinic under Dr. Mason Sones, where he received training in coronary angiography.

Upon returning to Japan, he served as a lecturer at Juntendo University School of Medicine, dedicating himself to the dissemination of coronary angiography and contributing to the establishment of the Japan Cineangiography Research Society.

In 1981, as a visiting professor at Stanford University, Dr. Abe was involved in the development of a guidewire-based monorail balloon catheter, which remains in use today. He was also involved in the introduction and dissemination of PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) in Japan.

Pursuing Ideal Medicine — Establishment of a Medical Corporation

In 1988, Dr. Abe founded a medical corporation and opened a clinic in Kudanshita, Tokyo.

Initially established to serve the local community, the clinic gradually attracted patients from across Japan who were drawn to his approach to medicine.

The Origin of Our Philosophy — Reflections from the Founding Statement

At the time of establishing the medical corporation, Dr. Abe articulated his views on the very nature of medicine, expressing a strong sense of urgency at the time.

As modern medicine advanced and became increasingly specialized, he questioned whether an excessive focus on treating disease risked losing sight of the human being behind it.
From this concern arose his advocacy for holistic, human-centered medicine grounded in humanism.

This vision extended beyond treatment alone, encompassing prevention, lifestyle guidance, and health promotion—medical care that accompanies individuals throughout their lives, values community ties, and embraces a global perspective.

These principles were not merely ideals on paper.

They were continuously practiced through daily clinical care, research, and sincere engagement with patients, embodied throughout Dr. Abe’s own life.

A Challenge Toward “Individualized -Centered Medicine”

In 1999, guided by the philosophy of “individualized medicine,” Dr. Abe established an academic society that would later become the International Society of Personalized Medicine.

Free from allegiance to any single position or discipline, physicians and researchers who shared this vision gathered to exchange knowledge and experience, exploring future-oriented approaches to medicine together.

Regardless of age or title, he listened attentively to each voice and shared information and insight openly. Over time, this approach gave rise to connections among people, and the society gradually grew into a place where colleagues naturally gathered.

At the heart of these activities was an unwavering commitment to valuing people above all else, which became the driving force sustaining the society.

Toward Patient-Centered Care and Immunotherapy Research

From around 2000 onward, in his search for truly patient-centered care, Dr. Abe encountered cancer immunotherapy and began dedicating himself fully to research in the field of immunology.

His work included studies on dendritic cell vaccines and NK cell culture technologies, continuously exploring new possibilities in medicine.

Over more than 25 years, this became one of his life’s central themes. Moving back and forth between clinical practice and research, learning from patients’ voices and engaging in rigorous discussion with colleagues, he steadily built a body of knowledge that was later published in academic papers and books, and in some cases, realized as patents.

These achievements were never pursued for recognition. Rather, they represented a shared journey toward delivering better medical care to patients—a time that was deeply fulfilling for him as both physician and researcher.

This long journey now forms an essential foundation of the medical care practiced at our clinic today.

As a Person, As a Physician

Dr. Abe’s guiding principle was:
“I remain a lifelong student of medicine.”

No matter how busy his days became, he never ceased learning. He continually asked what was best for each individual patient and strove to provide the best possible care available at that moment.

In the consultation room, he made it a point to take time to listen carefully to patients and to receive their thoughts and feelings without judgment.

He responded sincerely to any concern, and would naturally add the words, “If anything comes up, please feel free to contact me at any time,” a gesture that brought reassurance to many patients.

His gentle expression and unwavering manner gave many patients a sense of renewed strength, and some continued to visit him even from far away.

His warm and inclusive nature—his genuine love for people and his way of treating everyone without distinction—continued to illuminate the hearts of many patients throughout his life.

His Spirit Lives On in Our Medical Practice

Dr. Hiroyuki Abe passed away on December 5, 2025.

The philosophy and spirit of medical care he cherished throughout his life continue to live on in our daily practice.

Honoring his legacy, we remain committed to caring for each patient with the same sincerity and dedication—now and in the future.