Problems/Case Studies
"Cancer
Cure
or Conservation" Pauline A. Lizotte,
This case is based on the controversies surrounding harvesting
of the Pacific yew from 1989 to 1997 to develop paclitaxel
(Taxol), a revolutionary anti-cancer drug. The case was designed
to expose students to basic conservation biology concepts by
examining competing needs among scientists and other stakeholders
in a real-life science-and-society scenario.
Developed for a undergraduate
introductory biology course for non-majors, the case could also
be used in an environmental science course or in a course on the
impact of science and technology on society.
"Mother's
Milk Cures Cancer? Researchers Deliberate Over
Whether to Publish" Linda Tichenor,
This case study on the immune system, cell cycle regulation, and
cancer biology explores the role that serendipity plays in new
discoveries in science, how scientific research is funded, and the
personal and professional implications of unexpectedly finding
one's self on the "cutting-edge."
The case was developed to help
undergraduates, particularly non-science majors, understand how
politics and culture play a vital role in the scientific
process, and that scientific research is provisional and a
product of social and cultural interaction. In addition to these
issues, the case explores key concepts and content in biology
and biochemistry, including the control of cell division,
apoptosis, immunity development, microbial biology, genetic
engineering, and breast feeding in humans.
"How
a
Cancer Trial Ended in Betrayal". Ye Chen-Izu,
In this case study, students learn about the complexities and
issues associated with clinical trials. After reading a newspaper
story about a fraudulently conducted clinical trial involving a
treatment for skin cancer, students simulate their own small-scale
"clinical trial" in class. The simulation involves a secret
breaching of a blind test and manipulation of data to favor a
positive effect for a particular proprietary drug. As part of the
simulation, students examine "before" and "after" photographs of
skin lesions from "patients."
Developed for first- or
second-year college students, the case focuses on the scientific
method, with special attention to the issues of objectivity and
ethics in scientific research. The case study can be adapted to
emphasize other topics, such as the pathophysiology and
treatment of cancer. It can also be tailored to specific
student populations, such as health professional students.
"Not
an Old Person's Disease". Jennifer Miskowski and
Anne Galbraith,
Judy, 20 years old, fair-haired and fair-skinned, covets the kind
of suntan her friend Mariah seems to be able to get effortlessly
while all Judy has to show for the hours she spends broiling in
the sun is a bad sunburn. While sunbathing one day Judy notices
that a mole on her leg has started to itch. Not only that, it
looks different. She goes to her doctor, who recommends a biopsy
to determine if the mole is malignant or benign. The overall goal
of this case is to introduce students to the genetic basis of
cancer development while teaching them about melanoma.
This case was written
specifically for a general education health and wellness class
taken by students ranging from first-year students to seniors,
and from non-science majors to biology majors.
CNN Video Clips
Topic: Screening
for
Baseball player, Darryl Strawberry, is shown speaking after his
surgery for colon cancer. Researchers have discovered that a
certain genetic defect occurs at an elevated frequency in people
who develop this cancer. Because the defect occurs in both
the cancer and in normal tissue, it may allow doctors to identify
those who are at increased risk for the cancer. The current
screening procedure is shown. It uses a flexible scope that
reaches only the lower third of the colon and, because it is
invasive, many people avoid it. (Student worksheet provided on CD)
Topic: Skin Sun Damage: Biology 7th Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (1:23)
A man is shown being treated for actinic kerotoses (AK), which are
pre-cancerous skin lesions. The man recounts his extensive
sun exposure as his dermatologist shows how his skin is covered
with bumps. The treatment he undergoes involves painting the
AK lesions with a light absorbing pigment, then exposing him to
blue light to kill the damaged cells. Similar results can be
attained with a month's application of creams. Forty percent
of Caucasians develop AK. The best defense is to minimize
sun exposure. (Student worksheet provided on CD)
Topic: "Legacy of Agent Orange": Biology 5th Ed.
CNN Ed 2001 (2:47)
Approximately 100,000 Americans were exposed to the herbicide
Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. A new study suggests
that their offspring are at an increased risk for chronic
myelogenous leukemia. The study has been criticized for
relying on self-reporting to determine Agent Orange
exposure. However, exposure to Agent Orange has already been
linked to increased risk for three forms of cancer and to
adult-onset diabetes. In addition, it as been shown to
increase the risk of spina bifida among offspring. The
worksheet includes the URL for the Veteran’s Administration Agent
Orange web pages. (Student worksheet provided on CD)
Topic: "Drug Targets Leukemia": Biology 5th Ed. CNN Ed 2001
(2:21)
Gleevec, a new cancer drug, is proving to be a powerful weapon
against chronic myelogenous leukemia. A woman is interviewed
who was diagnosed with leukemia, treated with Gleevec, and is now
in remission. Physicians caution that, with only two years of use,
it is premature to say the drug can cure leukemia. However,
the results are extremely promising. Unlike conventional
chemotherapy, which kills cells indiscriminately, Gleevec
selectively targets a protein that is produced only in cancer
cells. As a result, the side effects are minimal. The
drug also shows promise against other cancers. The worksheet
includes the URL for the National Cancer News Center Web Site.
(Student worksheet provided on CD)
Articles
Articles in
“Taking Sides”