Lab Experience Personal reflection – Alice Clemente

Lab of Oncohematology – Department of Experimental Oncology – IEO Campus

A JOURNEY IN ONCOHEMATOLOGY RESEARCH
During my four-week lab rotation in the oncohematology lab, I embarked on a project that focused on testing the activity of a new drug combination for the treatment of lymphomas. Although it wasn’t the initially assigned project (development of a NK cellular therapy for B cell lymphomas), this experience provided me with valuable insights and a newfound appreciation for translational research in the clinical field. As a medical student, I recognized the potential impact that the development and testing of new drugs could have on patients.

My first lab rotation involved studying the tumor microenvironment in solid tumors, which sparked my interest in research. However, my time in the oncohematology lab presented an entirely different focus. The opportunity to work on a project centered around testing a novel drug combination for lymphomas enabled me to broaden my knowledge and understanding of therapeutic interventions. Engaging in hands-on experiences, such as cell culture and Western blots, allowed me to develop proficiency in basic laboratory techniques. I developed the skill to create graphs suitable for publication and I grasped the importance of performing rigorous tests to determine a drug’s efficacy in vitro.

What truly resonated with me during my rotation was the realization that my passion lay in a field more closely related to clinical practice. As a future physician, witnessing the potential impact of developing and testing new drugs fueled my motivation. I recognized the significant role that research played in advancing treatment options for individuals suffering from oncological diseases. This newfound understanding motivated me to pursue projects that bridged the gap between scientific discoveries and clinical applications.

Towards the end of my lab rotation, my curiosity was piqued by the initial project I was assigned, which focused on developing a new NK cell-based therapy. Intrigued by the potential of this field to make a substantial impact, I decided to embark on a new journey. I proposed the NK project as my master degree thesis project and continued my involvement in the lab, alternating periods between the research facility and the Oncohematology department of the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia.

Immersing myself in the NK project allowed me to refine my laboratory skills further. I learned advanced techniques such as cell infection with CAR vectors and flow cytometry, which enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the project. I actively participated in patient recruitment to obtain samples for the creation of the NK therapy, as well as in the analysis of patient profiles and the correlation with laboratory data derived from the samples. This involvement fostered a sense of fulfilment as I witnessed the practical application of research findings and the potential to impact patient care.

One aspect that pleasantly surprised me during my time in the oncohematology lab was the seamless collaboration and exchange of ideas between the lab staff and clinicians. I was fortunate to witness and actively partake in the dynamic interplay between research and clinical practice. The lab staff welcomed my contributions and allowed me to play a meaningful role in bridging the gap between science and clinical medicine. This experience reinforced my belief in the significance of integrating both fields and further fueled my motivation to pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

In conclusion, my four-week lab rotation in the oncohematology lab has been a transformative journey that deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness between scientific research and clinical activity. It has reinforced my conviction to pursue a career that allows me to be at the forefront of medical advancements while directly impacting patient care. The integration of science and medicine in this lab provided me with a unique and enriching experience, one that I will carry with me as I continue my journey as a future physician- scientist. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited about the potential to contribute to the advancement of oncohematology research and patient care in the years to come.