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

CANCER BIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY

• Introduction to cancer biology: definition, classification, and terminology.
• Epidemiology and risk factors of cancer.
• Oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes.
• Hereditary tumors.
• Tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution.
• Tumor immunology.
• Hallmarks of cancer: angiogenesis, tumor microenvironment, immune evasion, metastasis, cancer metabolism, replicative immortality.
• Mechanisms of carcinogenesis: physical, chemical, biological.
• Cancer prevention: primary and secondary prevention, chemoprevention.
• Clinical implications: paraneoplastic syndromes and cancer cachexia.
• Fundamentals and molecular and biological mechanisms of radiation, pharmacological, biological, immunological, and gene therapies for cancer.

 

MOLECULAR IMMUNOPATHOLOGY

• General mechanisms of immunopathology
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Autoimmune diseases
• Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies
• Transplantation immunology
• Translational immunopathology and emerging technologies

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture slides

Recommended texts:

• Weinberg The Biology of Cancer, Second Edition.
• P-L Lollini – Cellular and molecular oncology (open access book available in Virtuale website)
• Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Latest edition. Elsevier

  Consultation:

• Pardi e Di Fiore, Patogenesi. Ed. Piccin
• R G.M. Pontieri, Patologia generale e fisiopatologia generale. Vol. 1, VI edizione (2018) ed. Piccin
• Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease 9th edition
• Rubin’s Pathology 7th, Wolters Kluwer ed

Teaching methods

Lectures supported by PowerPoint slides and reading material. Slides and reading materials will be available on "virtuale.unibo.it".

Reading, critical appraisal, and discussion of scientific articles.

Assessment methods

Student learning will be assessed through an oral examination designed to evaluate the achievement of the course learning objectives and, in particular, the acquisition of the fundamental concepts of Molecular Oncology and Molecular Immunopathology.

The examination aims to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and to integrate concepts through logical and critical reasoning.

The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD), temporary or permanent disabilities, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the dedicated University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti) as early as possible so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged. Requests must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination date. The instructor will evaluate the requested accommodations, taking into account the learning objectives of the course.

Final Grade Scale

Fail (<18/30): Inadequate preparation, characterized by significant gaps in knowledge and serious, repeated conceptual errors.

18–19/30: Adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts without major deficiencies. Overall acceptable presentation and use of scientific terminology.

20–24/30: Sound knowledge of the fundamental concepts. Partial ability to analyze and integrate information independently. Clear presentation and appropriate scientific language.

25–29/30: Good to very good preparation, or excellent preparation with minor inaccuracies in presentation that prevent the highest grade. Ability to analyze and integrate concepts independently. Logical organization of concepts and good command of scientific terminology.

30–30 cum laude: Comprehensive, well-established, and accurate knowledge of all course topics. Excellent ability to frame and discuss scientific issues, analyze and integrate concepts independently, and present information clearly with complete mastery of the appropriate scientific terminology.

Office hours

See the website of Manuela Ferracin