Cancer Biology (saylor.org)

Cancer has existed among humans since humans themselves began and has been a subject of urgent interest from very early in our history. What we call “cancer” consists of a number of different diseases with one fundamental similarity: they are all initiated by the unchecked proliferation and growth of cells in which the pathways and systems that normally control cell division and mortality are absent. Cancer-cell abnormalities are often due to mutations of the genes that control the cell cycle and cell growth. To understand cancer cells, then, one must first understand the processes that regulate normal cell cycles.

This course will cover the origins of cancer and the genetic and cellular basis for cancer. It will examine the factors that have been implicated in triggering cancers; the intercellular interactions involved in cancer proliferation; current treatments for cancer and how these are designed; and future research and treatment directions for cancer therapy.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Explain how the perception of cancer and theories of its causes have changed throughout history because of important discoveries made by scientists, researchers, and physicians.

Summarize the importance of understanding cell biology in the study of cancer, its causes, it progression, and its treatment.

Outline the transcription and translation processes used to convert DNA into proteins and what changes occur that convert proto-oncogenes into oncogenes and lead to unchecked cell growth and cancer.

Compare and contrast the mechanisms by which activation of oncogenes, loss of tumor suppressors, loss of cell cycle checkpoints, and development of faulty DNA repair lead to cancer.

Describe the various cancer prevention mechanisms including risk assessment, screening, and lifestyle and environmental modification.

List the past, current, and future cancer treatments and the mechanism by which these target cancer causing cells.