Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT): A Cancer Treatment Now Covered by Health Insurance in Japan

The world's first international scientific meeting dedicated to "Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT)," a cancer treatment for which health insurance coverage has begun in Japan

"The Inaugural Scientific Meeting of Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT)" will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. (Organizer/Local Coordinator: Hisataka Kobayashi)

Researchers and clinicians from Japan, the United States, Europe, and other regions are scheduled to attend this meeting, including researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, from basic research and clinical trials of NIR-PIT to the development of new molecular targets and drugs, as well as the potential for future clinical applications. The meeting will also serve as a forum for exchanging opinions on research collaboration and new research developments among experts from Japan, the U.S., and Europe.

Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel cancer treatment that combines an antibody that binds to cancer cells with a dye that reacts to near-infrared light, selectively destroying only the cells exposed to the light. In Japan, insurance coverage for this treatment began in 2020 for head and neck cancer, and clinical applications and research development are currently ongoing.

Please note that, in accordance with NIH visitor program regulations, in-person attendance at this meeting is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders). Those who do not meet these criteria can register via the "Registration" section on the official website to watch the lectures streamed live from the venue. (Pre-registration deadline: Wednesday, May 20, 2026).

This press release includes the announcement poster for the meeting to be held at the U.S. NIH, as well as the poster for the next meeting scheduled to be held in Japan.

Furthermore, the first Photoimmunotherapy Research Meeting in Japan was held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, and the second meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026, at the Tokyo Marriott Hotel. It is expected to serve as a venue for further exchange and development among domestic and international researchers and clinicians.

Event Overview

Name: The Inaugural Scientific Meeting of Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT)

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Venue: Natcher Auditorium, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Official Website: http://nirpit26-usa.kenkyuukai.jp/special/index.asp?id=46100