Postgraduate Course: Molecular Biology of Cancer II: Tumour host interactions (BIME11184)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Biomedical Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course will introduce students to the impact that the host environment has on tumour growth through studies on the role of immune cell infiltrate and tumour immune suppression, metabolism, signalling vesicles and hormone driven cancers. How tumour-host interactions influence disease aetiology and are being exploited for therapeutic purpose will be discussed using original research contributions and real-life clinical examples. In addition, how physiological properties of the host such as aging, obesity and lifestyle choices influence tumour initiation and progression will also be covered. |
| Course description |
This course will introduce students to the impact that the host environment has on tumour growth through studies on the role of immune cell infiltrate and tumour immune suppression, metabolism, signalling vesicles and hormone driven cancers. How tumour-host interactions influence disease aetiology and are being exploited for therapeutic purpose will be discussed using original research contributions and real-life clinical examples. In addition, how physiological properties of the host such as aging, obesity and lifestyle choices influence tumour initiation and progression will also be covered.
Academic description
Host components surrounding the tumour (the extracellular matrix (ECM)) are equally important in tumour initiation and progression as tumour cells themselves. These components include fibroblasts, collagen, endothelial cells, infiltrating immune cells (macrophages and lymphocytes), signalling vesicles and soluble factors (growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and hormones). The ECM is not only impacted by intrinsic tumour properties, but also by physiological properties of the host such as aging, obesity, lifestyle choices and hormonal status.
Course content
Week 1 of the course will provide an overall view of the interplay between the tumour and host and how this interaction contributes to cancer progression and metastasis for various cancer types. In weeks 2 and 3 we will focus on inflammatory infiltrate. We will discuss how cancer cells can regulate the composition of the tumour immune environment to promote evasion of the anti-tumour immune response. Students will learn how this evasion impacts on response to therapy and how it is being targeted by new immune-therapies. We will also explore the bigger picture of how aging and obesity can increase inflammation and how this may prime tissues for tumour initiation and promote tumour progression. In week 4 students will learn the importance of metabolism in tumour growth and how host factors can impact on tumour metabolism. Finally in week 5 we will cover hormone-driven tumours and endocrine therapies that exploit the tumour hormone addiction.
Student experience
Students will learn from research-scientists and academic healthcare professionals focussed on immuno-oncology and endocrine therapy. The course is delivered online and is divided into five sessions, each lasting a week. Teaching sessions will be composed of written materials, recorded lectures and primary research talks delivered by early career researchers working in the field. They will also hear about the impact of new immune therapies from patients (fully consented) and cancer nurses. These materials will be accompanied by guided reading elements (in the form of links to journal articles.) as well as independent literature searches.
Discussion of the content and reading materials will be posted to an online forum (discussion board). Course tutors will moderate discussion boards and to encourage participation the boards will be assessed. Students will further evidence their learning by developing a discursive essay focussed on the impact of the immune-oncology revolution and the lessons to be learnt going into the future.
Formative peer and teacher-led feedback will be given throughout the course through the discussion boards, and summative assessment feedback will be provided at the end of the course.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2022/23, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
| Course Start Date |
16/01/2023 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10,
Online Activities 20,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
68 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
In-course assessment -100%
Written 60%
Online 40%
Specific assessment items will be developed each year to address the LOs from the course. This will allow flexibility in terms of the focus of assignments, to ensure the topics are current and of relevance/importance in this field of study.
For example:
Students discuss specific questions relevant to the weekly lectures - posed and facilitated by the Course Team - via an asynchronous discussion board. 20%
In a nutshell project-Students will present data from a specified paper in short, lay format in any media. 20%
Students will write a discursive essay on the impact of immuno-oncology on patient outcomes. 60%
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| Feedback |
Formative feedback will be available to students for both forms of assessment if required.
An open discussion forum (visible to all students on the course) will be available for each assignment where students can ask questions about what is required of them. They can check they have interpreted the assignment brief correctly and seek guidance on whether their general ideas are appropriate before they complete and submit their work.
Extensive summative feedback will be given for both assignments. The written assignment will be marked up directly in Turn It In and additional summary feedback provided. Feedback for the online assignment will be in the form of general comments on the level of engagement, content and quality of postings.
In both cases, feedback will clearly identify both positives and areas for improvement. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the complexities of the tumour-host interaction and the mechanisms by which drugs target this interaction.
- Draw from, and apply knowledge, from a range of discipline specific resources to develop original and creative responses to the challenges of cancer biology.
- Communicate, with peers from a range of audiences, with clarity regarding the critical evaluation of a wide range of molecular and clinical research outputs.
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Reading List
| Much of the focus of this course will be driven through student engagement. Resources will be provided as a starting point from which it is expected that students will begin to develop their own reading lists and share this information with others. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
The graduate will acquire in depth understanding of the role the host environment plays in the growth of a tumour and the therapeutic potential of intercepting this interaction.
The independent study aspect and assessments will enhance the graduates self-motivation, time management and ability to reflect on their learning. They will also improve students ability to think critically about problems in cancer research and creatively tackle these problems, assimilate the findings of primary research and peer knowledge in their arguments, discussions and assessments and communicate these arguments to multiple audiences.
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| Keywords | Host-tumour,Extra-cellular matrix,Inflammation; Immunity,Immuno-oncology,Metabolism |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Lesley Stark
Tel: (0131) 332 2471
Email: Lesley.Stark@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Deborah Walker
Tel: (0131 6)51 1513
Email: Deborah.Walker@ed.ac.uk |
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