Cancer biology

In this course, the student will become familiar with the research on the biological bases of cancer, and especially with the study of cancer cell biology. Specifically, the student will study the nomenclature of different types of tumors, learn to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors, and define the biological characteristics of malignant tumors. Furthermore, the student will become acquainted with the most relevant cancer research models, both in vitro and in vivo, providing the necessary tools to initiate a study on any aspect of tumor cell biology and to understand and critique experiments conducted in this field.

The course will also cover the most significant molecular alterations underlying the behavior of cancer cells. The student will learn about the action of key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes while reviewing the literature that has generated this knowledge and becoming more familiar with experiments in this scientific field. The course continues with the application of acquired knowledge to the study of two critical processes in cancer biology: oncogenesis and the response to anticancer therapy. Finally, the student will delve into the biology of the most relevant cancers, learning to apply their knowledge to specific cancers and gaining information on the specific molecular alterations of cancer types not covered in previous topics.

1. Introduction to cancer. General concepts. Major manifestations of tumors. Benign and malignant tumors. Nomenclature. Morphological and biological characteristics of malignant tumors.
2. Experimental oncology: an experimental approach to the study of cancer. Using cell culture and animal models in cancer research. Genomic techniques and bioinformatics in cancer research. Other approaches.
3. Etiology of cancer: chemical, physical, and viral carcinogenesis. Genetic predisposition to cancer.
4. Clinical and molecular epidemiology of cancer.
5. Cancer genetics. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Congenital and acquired mutations. Epigenetics of cancer.
6. Cellular and molecular biology of cancer. The abnormal proliferation of cancer cells. Cancer cell acquisitions: altered senescence and apoptosis. Molecular basis of metastasis and angiogenesis. Causes of the genomic instability of cancer cells.
7. Molecular pathology and molecular diagnostics.
8. Antineoplastic therapy. Surgery. Chemotherapeutic agents. Families and mechanisms of action. Biological effects of radiation. Biological therapy.
9. Biology of the most common neoplasias Lung cancer. Breast and ovarian cancer. Colon cancer. Leukemias and lymphomas. Other cancers.

Weinberg RA. The Biology of Cancer. 2013. Garland Science. 2nd Ed.

Alberts B et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 2007. Fifth ed. Garland Science.

deVita VS et al. Cancer: principles and practice of oncology. 2005. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. 7ª Ed.

Fuaci AS et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 2001. McGraw-Hill. 15ª Ed.

Knowles, MA & Selby, P. Introduction to the cellular and molecular biology of cancer. Oxford University Press. 4ª Ed. 2005

Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Robbins y Cotran. Patología Estructural y funcional. 10ª Ed. 2021.

Lodish HF et al. Molecular Cell Biology. Freeman. & Co. 6th Ed. 2008

Morgan D. O.. The Cell Cycle. Oxford University Press. 2007.



Original and review articles from scientific journals, especially the Nature Reviews Cancer series.

Hanahan D, Weinberg RA. The hallmarks of cancer. Cell 2000; 100(1): 57-70.
Hanahan D, Weinberg RA. Hallmarks of cancer: the next generation. Cell 2011; 144(5): 646-674.
Hanahan D. Hallmarks of cancer: new dimensions. Cancer Discov 2022; 12(1): 31-46.
Carmeliet P, De Smet F, Loges S, Mazzone M. Branching morphogenesis and antiangiogenesis candidates: tip cells lead the way. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2009;6(6):315-26.
Collado M, Serrano M. Senescence in tumours: evidence from mice and humans. Nat Rev Cancer. 2010;10(1):51-7.
Cotter TG. Apoptosis and cancer: the genesis of a research field. Nat Rev Cancer. 2009;9(7):501-7.
Jordan CT. Cancer stem cells: controversial or just misunderstood? Cell Stem Cell. 2009;4(3):203-5.
Luo J, Solimini NL, Elledge SJ. Principles of cancer therapy: oncogene and non-oncogene addiction. Cell. 2009;136(5):823-37.
Malumbres M, Barbacid M. Cell cycle, CDKs and cancer: a changing paradigm. Nat Rev Cancer. 2009 9(3):153-66.
Nguyen DX, Bos PD, Massagué J. Metastasis: from dissemination to organ-specific colonization. Nat Rev Cancer. 2009; 9(4):274-84.
Schvartzman JM, Sotillo R, Benezra R. Mitotic chromosomal instability and cancer: mouse modelling of the human disease. Nat Rev Cancer. 2010 10(2):102-15.
Stratton MR, Campbell PJ, Futreal PA. The cancer genome. Nature. 2009 458(7239):719-24.

To understand the biological foundations of cancer, particularly the biology of cancer cells. To learn the nomenclature of different types of tumors, distinguish between benign and malignant tumors, and define the biological characteristics of malignant tumors.
To become familiar with the most relevant cancer research models, both in vitro and in vivo. To acquire the ability to initiate a study on any aspect of tumor cell biology. To understand and critically interpret experiments conducted in this field.
To understand the most significant molecular alterations underlying the behavior of cancer cells, comprehend the roles of key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as well as the most common genomic alterations.
The course will continue with the application of acquired knowledge to the study of two crucial processes in cancer biology: oncogenesis and the response to anticancer therapy.
To become familiar with the foundational literature that has generated these insights and with the experiments in this scientific field.

Lectures conducted in-person or through telematic methods.
Problem-based learning.
Seminars. Each student must present and defend a completed project.
Attendance at seminars and research conferences.
Personalized tutoring.

Evaluation criteria:
Final written exam (60%)
Assessment of completed projects and seminars (20%)
Assessment of attendance and participation in class (20%)

Teaching may be conducted in Galician, Spanish, and English.
Knowledge of English is necessary for handling the bibliography and completing assignments.