Promega Hosts Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) Program
Colorectal cancer survivors, caregivers and other members of the Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) program spent time in Promega labs this week for a hands-on research academy hosted by Promega Corporation. RATS advocates train to gain a comprehensive understanding of key issues impacting colorectal cancer research. Above, participants engage in a lesson about genetic transformation of bacteria with luciferase.
Promega Corporation this week is hosting a hands-on research academy for colorectal cancer survivors, caregivers and other members of the Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) program. RATS advocates are volunteers from around the country who train to gain a comprehensive understanding of basic science, as well as clinical and diagnostic research in colorectal cancer and related diseases, so they can be empowered to work for the advancement of cancer research in new and innovative ways.
During the two-day interactive training event on the Promega Madison campus, participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in lab activities with Promega scientists while learning about topics such as:
- molecular oncology workflow
- genomic analysis for cancer
- bioluminescence and drug discovery
- immunotherapy and hereditary cancer risk
- microsatellite instability (MSI)
Special guest Stacy Hurt, an accomplished executive in the healthcare industry, will also share lessons she learned while overcoming stage IV colorectal cancer.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to work alongside advocates for colorectal cancer research in our Promega labs to offer them an up-close, hands-on perspective of the research process and learn from each of their particular experiences as well,” says Heather Tomlinson, Director of Clinical Diagnostics at Promega “We are especially eager to share our insight of the role inherited genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome plays in increasing the likelihood of developing colorectal and other types of cancer, and how simple screening tests performed on cancerous tumor tissue can determine if Lynch syndrome is likely.”
This is the first Fight CRC RATS research academy Promega has hosted and is a continuation of the company’s commitment, announced in March for Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and National Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day (March 22), to advance colorectal cancer education.
