Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
I am doing a project about cancer, using a compound (my partner doesn't want me to say it) that is normally used intravenously. I was wondering how we could test this on cancer cells and where we could get these cancer cells from.

Hi,

Welcome to Science Buddies! This sounds like a great project. The best way to test a novel compound to see if it effective against cancer cells would be with cells grown in tissue culture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tissue_culture

. You would need access to a laboratory with facilities for growing cells in culture. There are a variety of cancer cell lines available depending on the type of cancer that you want to study. Since you have several months until the project is due, you could spend some time looking for someone is a tissue culture lab who would be willing to help you. Here is information on finding a mentor and other useful information for an advanced project on the Science Buddies Website:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ndex.shtml

If you do not have access to a suitable laboratory, you will need to identify an alternative technique.

Donna Hardy

Hi I am also trying to do a project on cancer (different substances that stimulate cancer cell growth). I am around several different cancer facilities, however I am unsure whether any have actual cancer cells. I think I can get a lab at a hospital or a local college, but how can I obtain cancer cells? Should I try growing my own? I need some that will be able to grow in a petri dish.

Hi Hannah,

As Donna mentioned in the post above, you will need a mentor to do cell culture. For working with cancer cell lines, a local college or university may be the best place to look for a mentor. Here is the link for information regarding how to find yourself a mentor: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... tors.shtml

I hope this helps!
Heather