Course Syllabus

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Tumor Biology and Oncology 

Fall 2017
Mondays & Thursdays, 13:15-14:35, 1D-509

Instructor

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Magnus Bäcklund (MB)

Senior consultant at Christinakliniken in Stockholm (Sophiahemmet Hospital) and Senior researcher at Karolinska Institutet. Trained M.D. and General Oncologist from Karolinska with a PhD in Experimental Pathology on brain tumors. MBA from Stockholm School of Economics. With DIS since 2016.

 

Course description

This course will provide students with insight into the molecular and cellular events involved in tumor formation, progression, and metastasis. Students will learn about the clinical aspects of different types of cancer, diagnostic procedures and the specific therapies (surgery and various oncological treatments). Examples of molecular genetic and other biological events related to cancer etiology, symptoms and targets for cancer therapy will be given in addition to other clinical aspects. Related topics will be presented, such as cancer research methodology and its strengths and limitations, psychosocial perspectives of cancer diagnosis and palliative oncology and supportive care. Emphasis is on the correlation between the molecular basis of cancer and its clinical implications.

 

Learning objectives

Faculty will provide an overview of: 

  • Clinical aspects of cancer and its correlation to tumor biology, and vice versa
  • Diagnostic procedures, different types of therapies and the basic concepts of curative and palliative intentions in cancer care
  • Molecular and cellular events involved in tumor formation, progression, and metastasis
  • Correlation between clinical oncology and tumor biology, and how application of the evolving knowledge derived from research gives a patient an increased likelihood for a longer life and a better quality of life
  • A basic understanding of the situation cancer patients and their caretakers find themselves in

 

Required texts 

  • Reading compendium which will include:
    • Selected chapters from PDQ Cancer Information Summaries (2002- ) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US). Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK82221/
    • Douglas Hanahan and Robert A. Weinberg (2000) The Hallmarks of Cancer, Cell 100(1): 57-70
    • Douglas Hanahan and Robert A. Weinberg (2011) Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation, Cell 144(5):646-674
    • Peer reviewed scientific articles related to the topics
  • Extra material on CANVAS

 

Approach to Teaching

Different teaching formats will be used, such as interactive lectures, class discussions, group seminars, field studies and a final project. Many real patient examples will be used to illustrate the topics. Students are expected to engage actively in class in oral presentations, discussions, group work and exercises. When possible, single patients will be taking part in the teaching. After each lecture, a pdf of the presentation will be posted on Canvas.

 

Expected learning outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the biological basis for the occurrence and appearance of tumor cells
  • Describe the biochemical pathways involved in cancer formation
  • Describe different types of cancers
  • Explain treatment mode of action and the rationale for different treatment choices
  • Examine the basic concepts of clinical research in oncology
  • Critically analyze findings in cancer research
  • Analyze and discuss the psychological and social impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis
  • Outline the basis for palliative oncology and integrative medicine
  • Discuss the ethics and decision-making in cancer disease management

  

Final Project (students will receive detailed information separately)

The Final project will give students the chance to integrate their new knowledge to, in theory, develop your own innovative cancer therapy, primary preventive method or diagnostic/screening tool. With an over-all vision of “What more can be done to fight cancer?” you are free to formulate your own vision. But of course based on facts and designing something you really believe could work.

 

Evaluation and Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.

Late assignments will be accepted, but the grade for the paper will be reduced by half a letter/day.

The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:

 

Component

Weight

Participation

10%

Test 1

15%

Test 2

20%

Test 3

25%

Oral presentations of patient studies

10%

Final project

20%

 

Expectations of Students & Code of Conduct

  • Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignment in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class time.
  • Readings must completed prior to the class session; a substantial part of the class is dependent on discussions of the assigned readings.
  • Students need to be present and proactive to receive full credit. The final grade will be affected by unexcused absences and lack of participation. Remember to be in class on time!
  • Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of others and their opinions, listening patiently to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
  • Students are expected to ask relevant questions in regards to the academic content .

 

Policies

  • Disability and Resource concerns: Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Mark Peters (mpe@disstockholm.se) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

 

  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled. If multiple classes are missed the Office of Academic Support will be notified and will follow-up to make sure, that all is well. Absences will jeopardize grades and academic standing at DIS. Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but in the case of multiple absences a doctor’s note is required.

 

  • Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment
    DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought by others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of ‘F’ and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronically for subjection to plagiarism detection software.  See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions.

 

Canvas

Canvas is a web-based system that allows students to access course resources and communicate with classmates and faculty. To access Canvas, go to the DIS homepage and click the ‘Canvas’ link on the bottom of the website, or go to: https://canvas.disabroad.org/login/canvas. Students can also download the Canvas App (By: Instructure) on iPhone and Android mobile smart phones. 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due