Debbie's Dream Foundation and Partners to Host International Gastric Cancer Educational Symposium in Tokyo

Strengthening global collaboration in research, advocacy, and patient care for gastric cancer

TOKYO, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF), in collaboration with the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research and Kibounokai, announced today the upcoming International Gastric Cancer Educational Symposium for Patients. The event will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. JST at the Yoshida Memorial Auditorium, located at the Cancer Institute of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research in Tokyo, Japan. It will convene leading experts, survivors, and advocates from across Asia and around the globe for a day of education and international collaboration in gastric cancer research.

The symposium will feature patient-centered sessions, expert lectures, and advocacy discussions designed to advance knowledge, foster collaboration, and strengthen support networks for those impacted by gastric cancer. Interpretation will be available to support multilingual participation.

Dr. Takeshi Sano, Hospital Director of the Cancer Institute of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, member of DDF's Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB), and Symposium Chair, emphasized the importance of the event. "Gastric cancer remains one of the world's most pressing health challenges, particularly in Asia, where prevalence is high," said Dr. Sano. "This symposium is an opportunity to bring together patients, advocates, and physicians to learn from each other, share innovations, and build momentum for global collaboration."

Dr. Han-Kwang Yang, President of the National Cancer Center, Korea, and a member of Debbie's Dream Foundation's Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB), added: "Japan has long been a leader in gastric cancer research and care, but we know that progress is accelerated when patients, doctors, and advocates share knowledge across borders. Hosting this symposium in Tokyo provides a vital platform to elevate patient voices, highlight new research, and strengthen international collaboration in the fight against this disease."

The event is generously supported by DDF International Symposium Sponsors, Amgen, AstraZeneca, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Additional support is provided by Kibounoukai Sponsors, Boehringer Ingelheim, Daiichi-Sankyo, Pfizer, Roche, MSD, and Chugai. To learn more and register, visit www.DebbiesDream.org/upcoming-events.

About Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer

DDF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about gastric cancer,

advancing research funding, and providing international education and support to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF's ultimate goal is to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality.

DDF was founded in 2009 by Debbie Zelman after she was diagnosed with stage IV incurable gastric cancer in 2008 and given only weeks to live. Debbie is considered a pioneer by many for bringing awareness to the plight of stomach cancer patients worldwide, as well as to the lack of federal funding for stomach cancer research. She did all of this while receiving hundreds of rounds of chemo and daily oral treatments. Debbie passed away on December 23, 2017, at 50, almost a decade later. As a result of her leadership, DDF now has a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of world-renowned doctors and ambassadors throughout the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan. DDF strives to continue Debbie's mission to make her dream a reality. To learn more, visit www.DebbiesDream.org.

Media Contact:
Brittnay Starks, Communications Director
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
(954) 475-1200
[email protected]
www.DebbiesDream.org

SOURCE Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer