Overview

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality. Drugs represent one of three main treatment strategies, alongside surgical excision and irradiation. The development of anticancer drugs has led to dramatic improvement in survival for some cancers, but there remains a large unmet need for effective treatments in many other cancers. Drawing on expertise within the School, this module will examine the basic cell biology of cancer and how a healthy cell can become cancerous. The module will then expand to cover the pharmacology of anticancer drugs, including the mechanisms of action of cytotoxic drugs, hormones, and targeted biological treatments. The module will also examine the context in which anticancer drugs can be used clinically.

This module will cover the following topic areas: - Cancer pathogenesis (including cancer cell biology) - Pharmacology of cytotoxic anticancer drugs (including alkylating agents, antimetabolites, cytotoxic antibiotics) - Pharmacology of hormone treatments (including steroids and their antagonists) - Pharmacology of protein kinase inhibitors - Pharmacology of monoclonal antibodies - Advanced therapy medicinal products (such as cell therapies) - Clinical application and uses

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Category D (40-49%):Completed assessments present sufficient relevant accurate taught material to satisfy the learning outcomes of the module. Essays, answers and reports are sufficiently coherent and well presented to demonstrate threshold level 5 knowledge and understanding of module material. -good -Category B (60%-69%):Completed assessments present overall good accurate relevant taught material, integrated with some directed core text outside-reading. Essays, answers and reports are well organised and structured, contain good coherent arguments, and demonstrate good overall knowledge and understanding of all module material. -excellent -Category A (70%-100%):Completed assessments present very accurate relevant taught material, integrated with numerous directed outside core text-reading and some self-researched information sources. Essays, answers and reports present very coherent and well organised arguments that demonstrate excellent overall knowledge and understanding of all module material. Evidence of in depth critical thinking and wider reading are important for grades of A+ and above

Learning Outcomes

• Assess the potential for toxicity and side-effects and drug resistance in anti-cancer drugs

• Critically evaluate scientific literature and clinical data regarding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of anti-cancer therapy in patients

• Critically evaluate the rationale for the design and mechanism of action of anti-cancer agents

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiological process of cancer development and progression

• Evaluate current ideas on the mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer therapy