Seiko Hirono, MD, PhD

Brief Introduction

Seiko Hirono, MD, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery at Hyogo Medical University, Japan. Her clinical and research activities focus on pancreatic cancer, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), and pancreatic surgery. She has led and participated in multicenter studies and randomized controlled trials, including the MAPLE-PD trial, and has contributed to the development of surgical strategies, multidisciplinary treatment, and perioperative management for pancreatic diseases. She served as a visiting clinician at Johns Hopkins University and Heidelberg University in 2016.

Specialty

• Hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery
• Pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cystic neoplasms, including IPMN
• Pancreaticoduodenectomy and surgical strategies for pancreatic cancer
• Multidisciplinary treatment and perioperative management
• Clinical trials and translational research, including ctDNA-based monitoring

Education

• 2000 MD: Wakayama Medical University
• 2008 Graduate School of Medicine: Wakayama Medical University
• 2009 PhD: Wakayama Medical University

Selected Publications

1. Hirono S, et al. Mesenteric versus conventional approach during pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (MAPLE-PD trial): a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg 2026;283(4):581-592.
2. Hirono S. Essential Update 2023/2024: Multidisciplinary treatment for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2025;9(4):643-649. doi: 10.1002/ags3.70029.
3. Hirono S, et al. Is multidisciplinary treatment effective for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma? Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2024;8(5):845-859. doi: 10.1002/ags3.12790.
4. Toriguchi K, Hatano E, Sudo M, Nakamura I, Hirono S. Intra- and inter-patient diversity in hepatocellular carcinoma based on phosphorylation profiles-A pilot study in a single institution. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2024;48(10):102497.
5. Miyazawa M, Hirono S, et al. Radiographic duodenal invasion is associated with poor prognosis and early recurrence in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Surg Oncol 2023;49(10):106960.
6. Fujita Y, Hirono S, et al. Malignant potential and specific characteristics of pure main duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Eur J Surg Oncol 2022;48(5):1054-1061.
7. Kitahata Y, Kawai M, Hirono S, et al. Circulating tumor DNA as a potential prognostic marker in patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by pancreatectomy. Ann Surg Oncol 2022;29(3):1596-1605.
8. Hirono S, et al. Complete circumferential lymphadenectomy around the superior mesenteric artery with preservation of nerve plexus reduces locoregional recurrence after pancreatoduodenectomy for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2021;47(10):2586-2594.
9. Miyazawa M, Kawai M, Hirono S, et al. Previous upper abdominal surgery is a risk factor for nasogastric tube reinsertion after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Surgery 2021;170(4):1223-1230.
10. Hirono S, et al. Division of the pancreas at the neck reduces postoperative pancreatic fistula in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: Comparison of pancreatic division at the body. Pancreatology 2021;21(2):480-486.
11. Tsumura A, Hirono S, et al. Surgical indication for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm without mural nodule ≥5 mm. Surgery 2021;169(2):388-395.
12. Kawai M, Hirono S, et al. Radiographic splenic artery involvement Is a poor prognostic factor in upfront surgery for patients with resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2021;28(3):1521-1532.