Course Description
A comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the cellular principles of cancer in regard to the molecular biology of malignancy and how optimal drugs can target these biological factors.
Athena Title
CAN BIOL & THERAPY
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, students are expected to have a thorough understanding of malignant disease and be able to describe the following: 1) General cellular mechanisms that when aberrant give rise to malignancy 2) Biological factors that prevent malignancy (e.g., immune system) 3) Tumor suppressors (e.g., p53, BRCA1/2) 4) Oncogenes (e.g., B-Raf, N-Ras, K-Ras) 5) Genetic basis for malignancy (e.g., CDNK2, BAP1) 6) Molecular mechanisms of drug resistance (e.g., signaling nodes) 7) Multiple types of cancers and the biological basis for discriminating between subtypes (e.g., melanoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer) 8) Major gaps in knowledge that prevents ‘cure’ for many types of malignancy (e.g., stromal interactions) 9) Significant achievements in understanding malignant disease (i.e., the hormonal drivers of breast cancer) that is the foundation for oncology 10) The features that give rise to metastasis (e.g., intra- and extravasation) 11) Biological basis for ‘sanctuary sites’ 12) Personalized medicine and the Biomarker revolution
Topical Outline
Topical outline: I. Introduction Epidemiology of cancer in the United States Introduction to malignant disease and molecular biology – hallmarks Introduction to oncology practice and cancer management II. Molecular biology Aberrant cellular biology and catastrophic cellular signaling Tumor suppressors and oncogenes tug-of-war Biological and genetic drivers of malignancy Epigenetic factors contributing and suppressing malignant phenotypes III. Cancer types Breast cancer Melanoma HPV and cervical cancer Pancreatic cancer Prostate cancer Glioblastoma multiforme IV. Metastasis The features that give rise to metastasis Biological basis for ‘sanctuary sites’ Outstanding scientific knowledge that precludes ‘cure’ for mets