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Institution
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
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Institution(s)
Research: Harvard Medical School
Mentor: Dr. Kassis & Dr. Adelstein
Clinical: Not available
My studies encluded the search for a method to reduce the toxicity of IUdR, an antineoplastic agent that is structurally equivalent to a Thymidine analog linked to a 125 Iodine molecule. To optimize the antineoplastic effect, we injected tritated Thymidine intraperitoneally into rats that had been infected intrathecally (i.t.) 9L Glioblastoma to see if coadministered Thymidine would pass the blood brain barrier and thus compete with the intrathecally given IUDR. To this purpose the spinal cords were dissected, fixed, and processed in Autoradio-graphy. Furthermore, in a subsequent set of experiments rats were given IUdR i.t. after a 24h i.p. infustion of cold Thymidine. We took blood samples and detected the radioactive content and dissected parts of the small intestine and used them for Autoradiography to see how the concentrations vary in pretreated animals versus nonpretreated animals. The aim of this study was to be able to augment the Maximum Tolerated Dose and reduce the toxicity on normal fast dividing cells.
I certainly think that your experience is always dependent on your working conditions (tutor, etc.). I personally was very discouraged. However, Boston is an extremely interesting town with loads of things to do and many chances to meet interesting people, so if things don't turn out exactly the way you had expected, one should try to make the most of this stay in the U.S. one way or another. I did have difficulties with the American mentality because it all often seems so artificial and superficial and it takes a little while to get accustomed to that.
My biggest problem was finding something eatable at a reasonable price (spoiled brat!?). I also found it rather difficult to get a good flat in a nice convenient area. Prices vary between $600 to $850 for a studio apartment if you go to a real estate agent. The best thing is to turn to people in the lab and ask for help.
Can't think of any. Sorry!
Get your stuff arranged early enough and be prepared to spend lots of money, especially if you go to San Francisco, New York, or Boston. Hope you have a good time!