Course Identification

Novel concepts in cancer research: looking beyond the cancer cell

Cancer research traditionally focuses on driver mutations and the intrinsic phenotypes of cancer cells. However, recent studies emphasize the complexity of tumors and raise new concepts that could be exploited to design new treatments. In this seminar course we plan to discuss a few of these exiting/promising directions, diverting the focus from cancer cells to four main other components of the tumor microenvironment: immune cells, cancer associated fibroblasts, exosomes and bacteria. We will also touch upon cutting edge methods that enable the study of the tumor complexity such as single cell analysis as well as highlight novel therapeutic strategies that emerge from better understanding of the tumor complexity.

Upon successful completion of this course students would:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with cutting edge research related to the tumor complexity and heterogeneity, the tumor microenvironment and novel methods to explore these research areas.
2. Gain experience in presenting a leading paper to a group.
3. Gain experience in critical thinking and discussion of presentations by other students in the group.

Will be supplied in the beginning of the seminar course.