In-depth discussions of cancer, which include the tumor bology,
treatment options (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy),
socioeconomic challenges, and the remaining barriers that are
preventing curesin specific types of cancer.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Students in the M.S. program are required to work on a project focusing on human cancer. Students are required to write a term paper (15 pages) and do a 15-minute presentation on the chosen subject. The final grade for M.S. students will be based on their performance on regular tests, the term paper, and the oral presentation.
Athena Title
The War on Cancer
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in PHRM 4000E or PHRM 6000E
Prerequisite
[(BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 2107H) and (BIOL 1108 or BIOL 2108H)] or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will have a broad comprehension of what it means to have cancer on several levels: 1) the patient; 2) the
oncology team; 3) the family; and 4) societal.
Students will understand basic tumor biology.
Students will understand the multitude of treatment options that have become available and how financial hardships
factor into these decisions.
Students will understand the overwhelming "fear factor" that follows a cancer diagnosis.
Students will understand descriptions of the most common types of cancer.
Students will be able to describe the War on Cancer in sufficient detail to understand the competing interests involved and the complexity of this battle.
Students will understand why the question, "Why haven't we cured cancer yet?" is an unreasonable question that
requires more detail about the type of disease and other specifics.
Topical Outline
1) The human/patient aspect of cancer
a) What does it mean to receive a diagnosis of cancer?
b) What are some of the challenges faced by the patient and their families?
c) What happens after a diagnosis?
d) What is the role of the caregiver?
e) How can families work to prepare for cancer treatment and manage the process?
2) The oncology clinic
a) What occurs in the clinical setting, and how are the diagnosis and treatment approached?
b) What are the goals and options for cancer treatment? How do these goals vary by tumor type?
c) How have approaches changed over the years?
d) What are the long-term goals once a patient is in remission?
e) What are some of the consequences of treatment?
3) Tumor Biology
a) What is our current understanding of tumor biology?
b) How does our knowledge reflect the targeted and non-specific approaches taken to achieve 'cure' or remission?
c) What are the major challenges after a patient has reached a period of remission when the cancer is no longer detected?
d) On a molecular level, what is the function of tumor suppressors and genomic surveillance proteins?
e) How does familial genetics play a role in cancer?
