CANB 616 Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology

Credits: 4
This course is designed to give students entering cancer research a broad background in cancer biology. The course is divided into three main sections, as follows:

Basic Cancer Biology and Mechanisms. Topics include discovery of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and their functions; mechanisms of cancer initiation; role of the immune system in cancer; role of the microenvironment in cancer; metastasis; stem cells; cancer cachexia.
Technology in Cancer Research and Treatment. Topics include next generation sequencing in research and diagnosis; predictive gene signatures; radiation treatment; MRI; genetic manipulation of model systems; targeted therapeutics and clinical trials
Organ Specific Cancer Incidence, Characteristics, and Treatment. Lectures in this section will cover the pathogenesis and treatment of specific cancers such as breast, prostate, gastrointestinal, skin, and blood tumors.

The course will also have several special sections, including a series of basic pathology lectures and a project, grand rounds participation and presentation to the class, and physician shadowing to gain perspectives into current treatment options and shortcomings for patients with cancer. Note: physician shadowing will be cancelled for the Spring 2020 class due to Covid-19 concerns.

Graded: A-F
May be repeated for credit
Also offered as: CELL 616