BS349-6-SP: Molecular Basis of Cancer

The aim of this module is to provide students with current knowledge and understanding of cancer. We will discuss general aspects of cancer biology (cancer statistics and risk factors, cancer classifications, origins and multistage nature of cancer). We will explore the hallmarks of cancer, which describe the biological capabilities acquired by cells during tumour development. They will include replicative immortality, genome instability, induction of angiogenesis and metastasis, immune response, inflammation and metabolic changes in cancer. We will discuss cell cycle and apoptosis and their role in the maintenance of normal cell populations and in the emergence of cancer. The identification and isolation of oncogenes and tumour suppressors and the mechanism of action of their products will be analysed. The principles of some of the current approaches in cancer therapy will be discussed. Introduction to modern technologies, on-line information retrieval services and specific web sites used in cancer research will be given. The module is continuously updated so that recent advances in the molecular analysis of tumourigenesis are reflected in the content.


Learning Outcomes:
To pass this Module, students will need to be able to:
1. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that underlie eukaryotic cell multiplication, cell senescence and cell death, senescence, angiogenesis, including the alterations that are involved in the initiation of uncontrolled growth and tumourigenesis;
2. demonstrate an in depth understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in the surveillance of genome integrity and tumour suppression and how this is integrated with the cell cycle;
3. demonstrate a critical awareness of the transduction and integration of extracellular signals that regulate cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis;
4. demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate therapeutic approaches to treat cancer;
5. demonstrate competence in (a) the analysis and interpretation of data and (b) the collation, synthesis and communication of material in the form of essays.