76168 - Molecular Oncology and Immunopathology

Learning outcomes

Describe the transformed phenotype and its molecular and cellular basis, the pathogenesis of cancer, including the interactions with the microenvironment and the immune system, and molecular cancer progression up to the metastatic diffusion. Identify the phases of development and the tumor types relevant to human oncology and define molecular targets for innovative targeted therapies. Discuss the pathogenetic mechanisms of the main immune pathologies (immunodeficiencies, allergy, autoimmunity), as well as the role of the immune system in the natural and vaccine-elicited immunity to infectious agents, cell and organ transplants, and cancer.

Course contents

MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

What is cancer? Benign and malignant tumors, Nomenclature
and classifications, Epidemiology: the size of the problem

CANCER IS A GENIC DISEASE

Oncogenes

Tumor suppressor genes

Hereditary cancer

NATURAL HISTORY OF TUMORS

Cancer hallmarks, Tumor heterogeneity, Tumor progression

TUMOR – HOST RELATIONSHIPS

Angiogenesis, Microenvironment, Metastatic spread

Tumor immunology

CARCINOGENESIS

Fundamentals of carcinogenesis, Physical carcinogenesis

Chemical carcinogenesis

Complex mixtures: Tobacco, Alcohol, Diet, Environmental pollution 

Biological carcinogenesis

CANCER PREVENTION

Primary and secondary cancer prevention, Chemoprevention, Immunoprevention

CANCER THERAPY

Fundamentals of cancer therapy: Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Targeted therapy, Immunotherapy

 

MOLECULAR IMMUNOPATHOLOGY

Infectious immunity
Vaccines
Transplantation immunity
Hypersensitivity: Allergy and Autoimmunity
Immunodeficiencies

 

Readings/Bibliography

• Lollini: Cellular & Molecular Oncology
• Abbas et al: Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Elsevier.
• Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (Robbins Pathology), Elsevier.
• Pontieri, Russo, Frati: Patologia Generale, (only chapters on oncology), Piccin.
• World Cancer Report, IARC. Free PDF file at www.iarc.who.int
• Weinberg: The Biology of Cancer, Garland Science.
• Pecorino: Molecular Biology of Cancer, Oxford University Press.
• DeVita, Lawrence, Rosenberg: Cancer, Principles and Practice of Oncology, LWW.

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

The student has to answer questions to demonstrate his/her knowledge of specific subjects, the ability to understand the links between different parts of the course, and the use of appropriate terminology.

Gradation of the final grade:

Insufficient: lack of preparation. Serious and repeated conceptual errors.

18-19: knowledge of the basic concepts without serious gaps. Exposition of concepts and language as a whole acceptable.

20-24: knowledge of the basic concepts without gaps. Ability to analyze and link in partial autonomy. Exposure of discrete concepts and language.

25-29: preparation of good or very good level or even excellent preparation but with inaccuracies in the presentation that compromise the achievement of full marks. Ability to analyze and link independently. Exposure of concepts in the right succession and mastery of the language.

30-30L: full preparation, consolidated and without inaccuracies on the topics covered in the course. Ability to promptly frame the topic. Ability to analyze and connect independently. Concepts in the right succession and full command of the specific language.

 

Teaching tools

The textbook "Cellular and Molecular Oncology" and all the slides used for lectures are made available to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Pier Luigi Lollini