Clinical Oncology

Content

CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
 
Credit load: 7,5 ECTS                                                                                          Course code: BMW20905
Coordinator: P.W.B. Derksen, PhD                                                                    Period: 3
Examiner: P.W.B. Derksen, PhD                                                                          Timeslot: B+C
Email address: pderksen@umcutrecht.nl                                                         Level: 2
Phone: +31 88 75 68068                                                                                    
 
Content:
The course will deal with a range of Clinical and Experimental aspects of oncology. Among these are the development and progression of tumors (tumor pathology, genetics, epidemiology), tumor diagnostics, and identification (biomarkers, imaging) and past, current and future treatment modalities (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy). The social and psychological impact on patients suffering from cancer will also be addressed. Visits will be made to the departments of Radiology, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine. The clinical part of the course will also include a panel discussion with clinical specialists and handling of fixed tumor material. Substantial attention will be given to environmental factors and their relation to cancer, such as food intake and sun exposure. The course will also put emphasis on experimental oncology and translational oncology at the UMC Utrecht and the Netherlands Cancer Institute (excursion).
An important part of the course is made up by seminars and practical sessions, which are compulsory. First, students will have to prepare two scientific papers on oncology-related subjects. The themes of these assignments will be discussed group-wise, and pros and cons will debated during three seminars
Second, the students will perform hands-on biomarker research on tumor material to identify cancer types. Based on this, students will prepare and present a scientific poster and propose a suitable treatment and follow-up.
 
Requirements for admission:
Basic knowledge of histology, cell biology and biochemistry, immunology and pathology is highly recommended. Extended knowledge on genetics is required, as well as good knowledge of the English language in both written and spoken form.
 
Learning outcomes:
Knowledge & Insight
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
·      Describe the relation between aberrant genetics and the development and progression of cancer;
·      identify cancer types, their clinical parameters and describe appropriate treatment regimens;
·      use biomarkers for the (differential) diagnosis of tumors.
·      Writing a scientific paper in English.
 
Skills
Upon completion students can:
·      perform biomarker analyses for the identification of tumor types based on basic histological assessment;
·      interpret immunohistochemistry on tumor material;
·      combine practical results and theoretical knowledge into written scientific reports, present diagnoses and propose tumor intervention strategies.
·      Present data using a written scientific paper and poster format.
 
Attitudes
Students will be able to:
·      present logical arguments on why patients should not or should be treated using which intervention strategies;
·      develop a sense of realization of the clinical impact of cancer on patients and how optimal communication with cancer patients can be achieved;
·      Balance medical/ethical and social aspects of cancer and develop an objective view on several aspects of cancer treatment.
 
Learning activity and contact time:
Due to the large number of parameters that play a role in cancer and its clinical impact, the majority of the course will be presented in oral lectures. Also, field trips will be made to clinical and experimental oncology departments to get a ‘feel’ of every day practice. Three practical sessions will be performed for the differential diagnosis of cancer. Self-study and discussion meetings (4) will be used to interchange knowledge and ideas on multiple aspects of cancer.
 
Method(s) of testing:
Grading will be based on:
·      (A) Self study, discussion and the accompanying written reports (individually).
·      (B) Practical session, posters and a written scientific paper (group-wise; 3 persons/group)
·      (C) Final Exam. Both open and multiple choice questions. (individually)
 
Final grading will be determined as follows: 0.4A + 0.3B + 0.3C.
 
Required material:
·      Information on lectures, discussion session and written reports will be provided.
·      General information will be made available during the course.