Tumour Microenvironment
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ONCG3002 | Cancer and Stem Cells | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- ONCG3002
- School
- Cancer and Stem Cells
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module considers:
- The tumour microenvironment building on knowledge acquired in year 2 of the course
- Components of the tumour microenvironment
- Mechanisms through which the tumour microenvironment influences cancer cell phenotype (proliferation, invasiveness, drug resistance)
- Novel model systems including patient-derived xenografts and 3D cell culture systems
- Novel cancer therapies that arise from our developing knowledge of the tumour microenvironment
Target Students
Students studying Cancer Sciences BSc U6UCANCS (B131) and Cancer Sciences MSci U7UCANCSY (B130) and other students with the required pre-requisites including students studying Natural Sciences.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
12 lectures (semester 1) Practical class (lab practical class based on 3D cancer modelling - 6 hours) Group data analysis coursework session and student presentations (6 hours) Open office session (1 hour) Revision workshop (1 hour)
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (3-hour): Written examination with essay questions and short answer questions (3 hours)
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
To explore the tumour microenvironment building on knowledge acquired in year 2 of the course and focussing on understanding the components of the tumour microenvironment that influence cancer cell behaviours (proliferation, invasiveness, drug resistance) and the mechanisms underlying these influences. To discuss novel approaches for modelling cancer to provide models that better represent the tumour microenvironment, including 3D cell culture systems and patient-derived xenografts, and their application in drug screening. To discuss in detail novel cancer therapies that arise from our developing knowledge of the tumour microenvironment.Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of:
The tumour microenvironment (TME) – cells, molecules and physical parameters present in tumours that influence the cancer cell phenotype
Mechanisms by which the TME influences cancer cell phenotype (proliferation, invasiveness, drug resistance) – including paracrine signalling, integrins, hypoxic response
Novel pre-clinical cancer model systems including 3D cell culture systems and patient-derived xenografts that enable more realistic modelling of the TME and their application in drug screening.
Emerging cancer therapies that are based on our growing knowledge of the influence of the TME
Students should be able to demonstrate problem solving skills and critical thinking as applied to relevant data .
Students should be able:
Communicate complex written information to a non-specialist audience
Communicate complex written information in the form of an essay
Demonstrate self-management and teamworking in the completion of coursework
Show good levels of information technology literacy
2. Professional / practical skills
Students should be able to design, perform and analyse a 3D tumour growth assay.
3. Transferable / key skills
Students should be able:
• Communicate complex written information to a non-specialist audience
• Communicate complex written information in the form of an essay
• Demonstrate self-management and teamworking in the completion of coursework
• Demonstrate problem solving skills and critical thinking as applied to relevant data
• Show good levels of information technology literacy
Conveners
- Prof Anna Grabowska