8 ECTS credits
220 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4002188ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
The course has two segments: 1. An overview of the clinical context of cancer and 2. A more profound discussion of the different aspects of cancer research by the different professors according to their expertise.
They explain what is a malignant cell and what are the characteristics of the malignant phenotype and how a benign cell gives rise to a malignant cell (malignant transformation).
The causes of the malignant phenotype (mutations in cancer genes) are mentioned and the different types of cancer genes are discussed: oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and DNA repair and stability genes. The experimental methods that led to the discovery of these genes as well as the different mechanisms by which they become mutated are explained. The development of targeted treatments against the products of these genes is reviewed, including the different strategies: antisense, monoclonal ant bodies, small molecules. The different strategies and techniques are discussed including the anti-sense strategies small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. Status of cancer vaccination is discussed. The genetic cancer syndromes are discussed with regard to their mechanisms residing in cancer predisposing genes and the impact at the clinical level.
Separately the students are also taught basic aspects of clinical cancer diagnosis and treatment and the existing armentarium for doing this. An expert with a proven track record deals with the cloning of cancer genes starting from chromosomal abnormalities and the methodologies, used to this end.
The signal transduction cascade affected in malignant cells is discussed.
Invasion and metastasis are essential characteristics of the malignant phenotype and are discussed also by experts in the field.
The role of the immune system or the defects in immune surveillance is discussed.
Haematological malignancies, leukaemia and lymphoma, especially multiple myeloma as a model of research, are discussed.
Stem cell technology in the context of the administration of high-dose chemotherapy is discussed.
A separate course deals with gene therapy, the in vitro and in vivo accomplishments and also the obstacles for further development of this type of treatment including corrective gene therapy. Possible venues to bring this technology forward are discussed.
This course will give to the student fundamental knowledge to the students about the malignant cell, its characteristics compared to the normal cell, the pathogenesis and the research that led to present knowledge of mutant signal transduction pathways in cancer cells.
A translational link is made with clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer using the most recent therapeutic options. Especially the methodology in the development of targeted therapies is highlighted. The global course should give the students the possibility to understand the different aspects of cancer research both from a fundamental point of view as from an applied translational point of view with a critical insight and give them the basis for a potential further career in cancer research or related to cancer.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 50% of the final mark.
Other Exam determines 50% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biomedical Sciences: Management and Business (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biomedical Sciences: Clinical Biomedical Sciences (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences
Master of Biomedical Research: Standaard traject
Master of Teaching in Health Sciences: standaard traject (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)