Taylorian 2020

70 to see first-hand how the research that has been done at Oncopole is helping to treat cancer. We concluded the week with a visit to the blood donation centre in Purpan, where we observed how blood is collected, checked, and sorted. Finally, we went on a tour of the laboratories.  S even Lower Sixth pupils had the privilege of travelling for work experience at Oncopole, a site of world-leading research and treatment of cancer. The week began with a presentation about the site and its history, followed by a tour around the hospital and research centres. We then had the opportunity to visit the laboratories of Professor Etienne Chatelut, who invented the ‘Chatelut Formula’, which ensures the correct dosage of chemotherapy is given to a patient whilst minimising the side effects. Next, we visited the pharmacy, a sterile, positive pressure environment where we saw first-hand how the chemotherapy doses for individual patients are made in the laboratory. The day concluded with a talk about clinical trials, where we learnt about the developments and changes that have occurred in recent years. On the second day, we spent our time at the INSERM research centre, where we saw mass spectrometry and chromatography machines. This technology aids the analysis of biological molecules for the further development of cancer treatments and determines the suitability of a particular drug for a patient.  The following day, we visited the Pierre Fabre foundation, where we learnt how the organisation is helping to provide access to quality healthcare in poorer countries and investigating the importance of plants in the development of future medicines. Aside from cancer research, Oncopole also has a site dedicated to start-ups. These included a start-up which designed a water-filtering suitcase for use where clean water is unavailable and another which is exploiting the properties of blue algae for dietary supplements. On the final day, we visited EVOTEC, a centre that is using robotics to speed up the discovery of new drugs. Afterwards, we visited the blood treatment centre, where we saw a leukaemia patient having their stem cells collected. It was touching During the evenings we travelled to Toulouse where we explored the sights and local food. Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity to practise our French whilst also allowing us to learn more about the fantastic research and innovative cancer treatment facilities at Oncopole. Patrick Brown (U6) Trips Trips French Trip to Oncopole Cancer Research Centre, Toulouse