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Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Unit Catalogue 2008/09


PA30157 The molecular biology and treatment of cancer

Credits: 6
Level: Honours
Semester: 2
Assessment: EX 100%
Requisites:
Before taking this unit you must take PA20241
Aims: To familiarise the student with recent advances in molecular and cellular processes underlying tumour development and its treatment.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the disease process in cancer, and the complexity of its treatment, and give examples of current treatment regimes in particular clinical settings.
Skills:
Scientific skills (T/F/A)
Study skills, handling information, working with others (T/F)
Problem solving (T/F).
Content:
Epidemiological studies of cancer and a recognition of how this approach retains validity. Chemical mutagenesis. Cell biology of tumour development including apoptosis, oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. The molecular mechanisms of action of the major classes of drugs currently in use and their shortcomings. Active and passive immunotherapy. The clinical setting; palliative or curative treatment, relationship to surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, risk-benefit analysis.