.

September 20, 1938 – December 5, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Hiroyuki Abe, MD, a distinguished pioneer in orthomolecular medicine and integrative cancer care, who died on December 5, 2025, at the age of 87, due to pneumonia.

Dr. Abe’s lifelong contributions to clinical medicine, research, and the advancement of nutritional therapies have left an indelible mark on our global medical community. His passion for improving patient outcomes through evidence-based, compassionate care distinguished him as a leader and mentor to countless physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals.

Dr. Abe was a founding figure in orthomolecular and integrative oncology in Japan. After completing his medical education and surgical training, he devoted himself to advancing patient-centered medicine that combined conventional oncology with innovative supportive therapies, including high-dose intravenous vitamin C and other nutritional treatments.

In 1988, he established his medical foundation and subsequently the Tokyo Cancer Clinic, a place that became known not only for its comprehensive cancer care but also for its emphasis on quality of life and holistic patient support. Under his leadership, the Tokyo Cancer Clinic became a beacon of hope for many patients and families, offering compassionate care and multidisciplinary treatment approaches long before such models became widespread.

Dr. Abe’s influence extended beyond his clinic. He was a dedicated educator and a vocal advocate for orthomolecular medicine, tirelessly promoting the integration of nutrient-based therapies into mainstream care. He served as a board member of the IV Therapy Research Society, contributing his clinical insights, guiding research initiatives, and fostering international collaboration.

In recognition of his pioneering work and enduring impact, Dr. Abe was honored with induction into the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame, a testament to his commitment to advancing health through science, compassion, and innovation.

Those who knew Dr. Abe remember him not only for his intellectual rigor, clinical expertise, and visionary leadership, but also for his warm humanity, humility, and unwavering dedication to patients. He inspired many to think broadly about healing, to challenge convention wisely, and to serve with integrity.

Dr. Abe is survived by his family, colleagues, and a global community of practitioners whose lives and work were enriched by his example. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of clinicians and researchers devoted to integrative, patient-centered care.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing and a lasting source of inspiration.

Author: Atsuo Yanagisawa, MD

Dear Readers of the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine (JOM),

My editorship with JOM ended in 2017, but I never lost touch with the philosophy, community, or clinical practice of orthomolecular medicine. At that time, I simply needed to focus on other work. As luck would have it, I have now returned as Editor, and I am deeply grateful for this second opportunity to be part of something I am truly passionate about: the dissemination of clinically relevant information on the value, efficacy, and practice of orthomolecular medicine.

When Linus Pauling first coined the term orthomolecular in his seminal paper in Science (1968), it was quickly embraced by his colleague, Dr. Abram Hoffer, because it perfectly captured the essence of what Hoffer had already been researching, publishing, and practicing. The word orthomolecular not only defined his work—it also created a vital publishing and communication vehicle for clinicians in the field, allowing them to share their findings without being unfairly silenced by the dominant medical journals of the time.

Many decades later, that silencing is thankfully far less overt, though it still exists in subtle ways. Numerous journals now publish work that is orthomolecular in nature, even if it is not explicitly labeled as such. Given this evolving landscape, we at JOM have decided to refine our focus and create a unique publishing niche—one that honors the past, present, and future of orthomolecular medicine.

Moving forward, JOM will focus on case reports and case series. Our goal is to make the journal a repository of clinically relevant, experience-based knowledge that clearly demonstrates both the efficacy and the challenges of using substances normally found in the human body and brain as therapeutic tools. We want JOM to immediately support real-world clinicians by offering practical insights they can apply directly in patient care. Simply put, JOM will assist practitioners in the excellent and demanding work of evaluating and managing patients from an orthomolecular perspective, in integration with all forms of medicine.

As we begin this exciting re-engineering of JOM, we are now inviting submissions for Volume 41, Number 1. We warmly encourage your submission of case reports highlighting the therapeutic use of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hormones, and other biochemical substances in restoring and maintaining optimal mental and physical health.

Please note that submissions should conform to the CARE Case Report Guidelines, an internationally endorsed framework designed to increase accuracy, transparency, and the utility of published information.

As I said at the outset, I am thrilled to be back. Even more so, I am excited to help evolve the journal by publishing meaningful, clinically useful case reports and case series that truly serve our community.

Thank you again for this opportunity, and I wish you all a terrific 2026.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Prousky, ND, MSc, MA

Editor, Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine

References

Pauling L. (1968). Orthomolecular psychiatry. Varying the concentrations of substances normally present in the human body may control mental disease. Science (New York, N.Y.), 160(3825), 265–271. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.160.3825.265