Advanced cancer biology (3hp), 3 hp

Description

The course in advanced cancer biology aims to give a concise overview of important topics in the field of tumor biology. The 5-day course will include both theoretical lectures on different aspects of tumor biology, including: the molecular basis of tumor biology, the tumor microenvironment, clinical oncology and advanced tumor research models. Students will develop skills in critical reading and presentation of relevant literature by attending journal clubs and case discussions. Special attention will be given to advanced models to study tumor cell behavior and to identify therapeutic targets, including 3D in vitro models, bio-printing and mathematical modelling. These topics will be covered via lectures and practical demonstrations in small groups. The course is aimed primarily at PhD students and fits with the research tracks “cancer” and “inflammation”. The course is also open to postdocs and researchers.

Credits: 3 hp (40 course hours + 15 hours preparation + 30 minutes presentation)

Learning outcomes

After the course, the students are expected to:
- Describe the molecular basis of cancer.
- Indicate the role of the tumor micro-environment in tumor progression.
- Outline basic clinical aspects of cancer.’
- Use advanced tumor-biology techniques (such as bio-printing and 3D in vitro models) via on-hands demonstrations.
- Summarize and discuss scientific literature in the field of tumor biology, specifically focusing on the above-mentioned topics
- Criticize and defend research findings in the field of tumor biology.

Contents

The course will cover the following topics:

Molecular and genetic basis of cancer
• Molecular basis of metastasis and invasion
• EMT and cancer stem cells
• Drug resistance

The tumor microenvironment
• The fibrotic stroma
• Onco-immunology
• Angiogenesis in cancer
• Lymphatics
• Microbiome


Advanced research models
• 3D printing and bio-printing
• Mathematical modelling to predict tumor behavior
• In vitro 3D models
• Metabolomics and Lipidomics

Clinical aspects of cancer research
• The role of Cancerfonden in supporting research
• Pharmacological treatment of cancer
• Drug discovery in cancer research

Research seminars
• Presentations from participating PhD-students and researchers

Instructions

In addition to mandatory attendance during the course, the students are expected to prepare for journal clubs, give a presentation about their research and to actively participate in discussions.

Examination

To pass, attendance at lectures, oral presentation at the PhD research seminars, and active participation during journal clubs and seminars are required.

Literature

Relevant literature will be provided at the start of the course. This will be in the form of scientific publications and review articles.

Teaching staff

TEACHERS:

Femke Heindryckx
Maria Kopsida
Paul O´Callaghan
Laia Caja Puigsubira
Fredrik Rorsman
Helena Jernberg Wiklund
Maria Ulvmar
And more

More information

Laia Caja Puigsubirà, PhD
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology
Uppsala University
box 572
75123 Uppsala
Sweden

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