Contribution to the individualized therapy of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) patients. The highest impact of our years long pharmacogenomics research in therapy of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is its implementation into clinical practice. Based on the pharmacogenetic findings we are able to explain the inter-individual differences to 6-mercaptopurine treatment and the onset of toxicity. We have successfully transferred the basic research practice to clinical environment. By genotyping the pediatric patients with life-threatening toxicity we have enabled the basis for individualization of therapy, and therefore eliminated toxicity, and overall contributed to quality of their life. Our research in pharmacogentetics has the direct impact on the economy and society and is demonstrated by an improved quality of life of patients undergoing the therapy and by favourable pharmacoeconomic indicators. Severe side effects are observed in patients due to the differential response of individuals to therapy and due to the conventional drugs prescribing philosophy that all individuals of the same age group need the same dose of the drug, i.e. »one size fits all«. Pharmacogenetic testing enables individualized approach leading to the rationalization of therapy and improved life quality of patients
F.21 Development of new health/diagnostic methods/procedures
COBISS.SI-ID: 4139889http://www.drustvo-bkb.si/novice/pomembno-odkritje-pri-zdravljenju-levkemije/?PHPSESSID=c239ed5223c58fc936c84f37b0f3dc4f Research group as a whole is well integrated with key stakeholders. Here we present principles of raising public awareness and patients groups information on research and professional developments. Public awareness of the principles of the use of of personalized medicine as well as targeted drugs that act directed at a type of cancer cells is of paramount importance, as this contributes to the understanding of the use in targeted patient population. Hence, it contributes to appreciation of the public and patients towards often hard-to–accept therapeutic decisions of physicians and pharmacist. Modern pharmacotherapy requires the active participation of patients, who need to understand the mode of drug action, the basis for genetic diagnostic testing and consequent choice of drugs. Communication with the public strengthen individual awareness about the specificities of disease and use of targeted drugs.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 4215921Pedagogical work encompasses teaching at all educational levels in field of pharmacy and biomedicine, undergraduate, graduate and a lifelong learning processes. Irena Mlinarič-Raščan holds teaching position at the Faculty of Pharmacy, and participate in the postgraduate university program of University of Ljubljana, and at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, and University of Bern. She teaches 200 students yearly in different programs with an average pedagogical load of 180 hours of teaching. She has mentored 7 PhD students, 35 MPharm graduates, and numerous Prešeren’s awardees. Borut Božič holds teaching position at the Faculty of Pharmacy, and teaches also at the biotechnical Faculty and Faculty of Medicine University of Ljubljana. He participates in professional trainings, specialization- as well as lifelong learning programs. He has mentored 5 PhD students, 8 MSc and over 70Bsc students as well as numerous Prešeren’s awardees. He have co-authored several teaching and professional books. Janez Jazbec holds part-time teaching position at Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana. He is responsible professional trainings, specialization- residency as well as lifelong learning programs. He has mentored approximately 10 BSc, MSc, and PhD student in medicine and other health profession.
D.10 Educational activities
COBISS.SI-ID: 279654656Research and organizational management .Irena Mlinarič-Raščan is Dean of the Faculty. She is responsible for coordination of research activity at the Faculty, as well as for creation of synergies and introduction of novel concepts and strategies in the field of drug discovery and development. She is promoting achievements of young fellows by organizing yearly Research day of the Faculty, nominating young outstanding researchers She is also strongly advocating academia –industry collaborations. She has been invited lecturer at LEK’s Regional BioCamp, as a three day forum, that brings together selected top students with distinguished experts and top managers. Such event contributes to setting of common ground fordebate how to most effectively link research to international business environment within the pharmaceutical industry.
D.01 Chairing over/coordinating (international and national) projects
COBISS.SI-ID: 29130535Organization of postgraduate Certified Course in Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry/Radiopharmacy. The postgraduate certified course in Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry/Radiopharmacy is co-organized by three Universities : Ljubljana (Slovenia), Zurich (Switzerland) and Leipzig (Germany). The course contents follow the guidelines of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine EANM. Training program is designed for chemists and pharmacists, involved in the small-batch manufacture or quality control of radioactive drugs as well as in the research and development of such products. Modules and Dates Module I "Pharmacy I and Legislation" Module II "Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry" Module III "Pharmacy II and Nuclear Medicine" Modul I is co-organized by Assist. prof. dr. Tanja Gmeiner, and prof. dr. Irena Mlinarič-Raščan.
B.01 Organiser of a scientific meeting
COBISS.SI-ID: 4326257