Dr. Kohei Okuyama, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States
Dr. Kohei Okuyama is a dedicated oral surgeon and biomedical researcher specializing in head and neck cancer. He is currently affiliated with the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States, where he focuses on deepening biomedical, bioscientific, and genetic knowledge related to cancer. His research interests include investigating translational therapeutic approaches, tumor microenvironment modulation, and advanced imaging techniques.
Education:
Dr. Okuyama earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Tohoku University, Japan, in 2011, followed by a Ph.D. in Maxillofacial Surgery from Tokyo Medical and Dental University in 2016. He holds specialized certifications in Japan as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, General Clinical Oncologist (JBCT), and Oral Scientist, and he has extensive experience training residents in the oral and maxillofacial field.
Professional Profile:
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile
Professional Experience:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Sep 2021 – Oct 2023)
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Rogel Cancer Center & Department of Periodontics & Oral Medicine, US
Conducted advanced research in oral and maxillofacial oncology.
Investigated molecular mechanisms of oral cancer progression and therapeutic interventions.
Project Assistant Professor (Apr 2019 – Mar 2021)
Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, Japan
Contributed to oral and maxillofacial surgical oncology research and clinical practice.
Supervised students and collaborated on research initiatives in oral cancer treatment strategies.
Assistant Professor (Apr 2016 – Mar 2019)
Nagasaki University Hospital, Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Japan
Focused on clinical oral oncology, treating complex cases of oral malignancies.
Engaged in academic research and mentoring in biomedical sciences.
Resident (Apr 2011 – Mar 2012)
Yamagata University Hospital, Japan
Gained foundational training in oral and maxillofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Developed clinical expertise in surgical techniques and patient management.
Research Interests:
His research has primarily focused on cancer immunology, specifically the role of cancer-cell pyroptosis in modulating innate anti-cancer immunity. He has also investigated the mechanisms of oral mucositis in chronic GVHD and gut stimulation models. His broader research interests encompass cancer therapy strategies that influence the tumor microenvironment to enhance treatment efficacy, including immune modulation, drug delivery, and tumor interplay with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Additionally, he is proficient in biochemical and in vivo experiments, as well as statistical analysis using SPSS and GraphPad Prism.
Top Notable Publications:
Saliva in Balancing Oral and Systemic Health, Oral Cancer, and Beyond: A Narrative Review
Journal: Cancers
Year: 2024 (December)
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16244276
Contributors: Kohei Okuyama, Souichi Yanamoto
Oral Bacterial Contributions to Gingival Carcinogenesis and Progression
Journal: Cancer Prevention Research
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-22-0511
EID: 2-s2.0-85149005267
Contributors: Kohei Okuyama, Souichi Yanamoto
Saturated Fatty Acids Dampen the Immunogenicity of Cancer by Suppressing STING
Journal: Cell Reports
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112303
EID: 2-s2.0-85150819533
Contributors: Heath, B.R.; Gong, W.; Taner, H.F.; Broses, L.; Okuyama, K.; Cheng, W.; Jin, M.; Fitzsimonds, Z.R.; Manousidaki, A.; Wu, Y., et al.
Tumor Microenvironmental Modification by the Current Target Therapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Journal: Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02691-4
EID: 2-s2.0-85158138607
Contributors: Kohei Okuyama, Naruse, T., Souichi Yanamoto
Relationship Between Tumor Budding and Partial Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Head and Neck Cancer
Journal: Cancers
Year: 2023 (February)
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041111
Contributors: Kohei Okuyama, Keiji Suzuki, Souichi Yanamoto
Conclusion:
Dr. Kohei Okuyama’s review article stands out due to its strong scientific foundation, clinical relevance, and multidisciplinary approach. The article contributes significantly to oral cancer research and systemic health, making him a strong contender for the Best Review Article Award. By incorporating expanded comparative analyses, emerging technologies, and systematic review methods, future works could further elevate his impact in the field.