Project Development and Planning 

Last school year 2003/04 we discussed the subject of cancer in our optional class Genetics and Genetic Engineering. Our teacher, Mr. Prof. Dr. Steiner, got us very interested in the subject as for personal reasons he has a broad know-how about cancer. In addition, nearly every one of us knows a cancer patient among friends or family members. As we all got involved in the discussion we decided to start a cancer related project the following school year.

Our idea was to talk to physicians and patients to gain first hand experience.

We were especially interested in the compatibility of a certain chemotherapy, as only few people know about the therapy and affected patients often do not speak about it. We could convince Mr. Prof. Dr. Steiner to perform gene tests on ourselves. The pure thought of holding our own DNA in our hands excited us. We discussed in detail the ethical, social and possibly psychological problems that should be considered, when tests like that are performed. Prof. Dr. Steiner contacted Ms. Dr. Edith Bogengruber, whose research work at the University of Salzburg focuses on molecular biology. While we were doing our traineeships during school summer break, Ms. Dr. Bogengruber and Mr. Prof. Dr. Steiner prepared the laboratory project. They looked through the latest articles and literature regarding genetic diagnostics in cancer therapies and discussed the subject with lab specialists of the district hospital of Salzburg. They suggested a pharmacological screening. First, we had no idea about it, but after some brief explanations we were really enthusiastic about doing the project. Generally speaking, the project is about analyzing our own (anonymized) DNA for certain mutations. Our test results would provide information about the compatibility of a certain medication called Fluorouacil (5-FU). 5-FU is a very important medication for chemotherapies and already been used for a long time. It is given - together with other substances - in cases of gastric, esophagus, breast and especially colon cancer. Frankly spoken, we felt quiet relieved after getting some explanations regarding the project. As much as we wanted to know our cancer risk initially, we started to realize what impact this know-how could have on us. Who wants to be burdened with the apprehension of getting cancer in 30 years time? Therefore, we felt much better learning about the compatibility tests.
Now we know that the results of the gene tests may be vital for us in case we will need chemotherapy at some point in future time.

We planned the project as follows:
lectures and discussions with physicians as professional introduction to the subject
experimental work in a DNA lab
visit of the oncology department in the district hospital of Salzburg
press release