The Role of Tomosynthesis Imaging at Our Institute and X-ray Dose Optimization

In March of last year (2017), Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases changed its name to Osaka International Cancer Institute and reopened as a new hospital in Otemae, Chuoku, Osaka (Fig. 1). The institute has 500 beds, 35 medical departments, 13 floors above ground, 2 floors below ground, and a total floor area of approx. 68,000 m, an increase of approx. 10,000 m from the previous site. The institute is located adjacent to Osaka Castle and a spectacular view of the castle can be enjoyed from the hospital wards (Fig. 2). The institute is designated an advanced treatment hospital and prefectural core hospital for cancer care by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and as well as providing specialist cancer care, it is also responsible for maintaining a cooperative system for cancer care provision and provides cancer-related counseling and support in Osaka Prefecture. The core principle of the institute is expressed by the motto “provision and development of advanced patient-based cancer care.” The Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Section of the institute to which the author is affiliated provides the latest medical care and technology to patients in a fastevolving field.