Chemicals increase the risk of cancer via two different mechanisms: on the one hand, they can attach themselves to the DNA, which can cause the incorporation of an incorrect base during cell division. The genetic information in the affected cells is thus altered (tumor initiation, 1st mechanism), resulting in a growth advantage over healthy cells. When exposed to other chemicals (e.g. alcohol, dioxin) or a hypercaloric and high-fat diet, this growth advantage comes to bear and the altered cells can initially form benign tumors, but later malignant tumors (tumor promotion, 2nd mechanism).
New curriculum includes omics and computer simulations
The postgraduate course at the Center for Cancer Research at the Medical University of Vienna offers comprehensive expertise in chemical safety. Graduates are qualified to recognize, assess, educate and advise on the harmful effects of chemical compounds on humans, animals, the environment and the climate. They find employment as risk managers or risk assessors in the pharmaceutical, food or chemical industry as well as in regulatory authorities at national, European or international level when it comes to assisting in the approval of new medicines, industrial chemicals, and food additives or developing strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of poisoning. The curriculum, which was revised in spring 2024, now includes more areas such as -omics, epigenetics, signatures (characteristic mutations caused by certain toxins), eco-toxicology, nanoparticles and computer simulations (in silico methods). The approximately 150 lecturers are international experts in their fields. The language of instruction is English. The course lasts six semesters, takes place in the form of one long weekend (Wed or Thu to Sat) approximately every 6 weeks, and will cost between 2,000 and 2,500 EURO per semester, depending on the final number of participants.
Graduates are awarded the title MSc (Continuing Education). As of this year, it is only possible to enter the course at the beginning of the first semester, i.e. once every three years. Therefore, a waiting period of at least 3 years is unavoidable if interested parties do not start the course by the deadline in the fall of 2024.
Substances of very high concern
Around 250 million different chemicals are currently defined in their chemical structure (so-called CAS numbers), 241 of which are so-called SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern) according to the definition of the EU REACH regulations, which include carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic substances. Smoking is considered to be particularly carcinogenic and is responsible for around 1/3 of all deaths from malignant tumors in the western world, thus accounting for approximately the same proportion of cancer fatalities as all nutritional factors combined. Among other things, cigarette smoke contains polyaromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, aromatic amines, benzene, cadmium, nickel or formaldehyde. Tobacco smoke-associated cancers mainly affect the respiratory tract and the upper gastrointestinal tract, but also other internal organs such as the kidneys and pancreas.
Also, alcohol is the cause of 3 - 5 % of all cancer deaths in the western world. It can, for example, be metabolized to acetaldehyde, an important trigger of esophageal cancer, or lead to chronic inflammation in the liver and pancreas (in this case with heavy consumption), which is also a highly relevant carcinogenic mechanism. Overall, around 66 to 75 percent of all cancer deaths in the western world are the result of exposure to chemical carcinogens. However, numerous other diseases are also caused, triggered or exacerbated by toxicants. Examples include cardiovascular diseases, COPD, neurological defects, malformations in unborn children and fertility disorders. The chemicals enter our bodies from the environment, primarily via contaminated air or food, and often also as addictive substances and stimulants (see tobacco smoke, alcohol).
Strong attention for the topic
Not least due to current environmental discussions, the topic of toxicity has become a high priority for society. Overall, the area is seeing an increase in the number of substances used, more regulations, but also more attention. "It is particularly challenging that damage caused by chemical toxicants can often only become apparent decades (see cancer) or even generations (see a future grandmother who smokes during pregnancy and damages the developing germ cells of her unborn child, from which her grandchildren will one day be born) later. For this reason, it is very important for us to communicate complex and comprehensive knowledge about toxicity in the course and thus contribute to chemical safety," emphasize the course directors, i.e. Prof. Wolfgang Huber and Prof. Hedwig Sutterlüty from the Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna.
Postgraduate course in toxicology
Where: Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8A, 1090 Vienna
Duration: 6 semesters, part-time (one long weekend every 6 weeks)
Language: English
Costs: 2,000 - 2,500 / semester (depending on the final number of participants)
Registration deadline: October 31, 2024 (as all administration must be completed by this date, the course management should be contacted a few days in advance)
Start: probably November 2024
Degree: MSc (Continuing Education), the course completion fulfills an essential part of the training to become an ERT - European Registered Toxicologist.