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Module Overview

Scientific and clinical research has revolutionised the treatment of childhood cancer, resulting in vastly improved outcomes. However, cancer is still the most common cause of death in children in the UK, underlining the importance of developing novel therapies for those cancers that are resistant to current therapy. In this module, you will be taught by scientists and clinicians who study the molecular mechanisms of childhood cancers, treat children diagnosed with cancer and develop new therapies.

Incorporating lectures on the biology of childhood cancers and case studies, the module will illustrate the current state and future directions of childhood cancer research. Lectures will cover topics such as the impact of genomics on the molecular classification of brain cancer, the use of CAR-T cells in novel therapies, precision medicine and drug development, and experimental cancer models.

Aims of the Module

The aim of this module is to provide insights into the aetiology of the most common paediatric cancers and their molecular and cellular bases. How conventional treatment has improved outcomes and how novel technological advances coupled with new scientific insights are leading to improved diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

This module should enable you to:

• Discuss the molecular mechanisms governing the development of different childhood cancers;

• Identify the unique aspects of cancer biology in children and its experimental modelling;

• Assess the impact of technological developments on recent improvements in diagnosis, classification and therapy of childhood cancers;

• Evaluate the pros and cons of different strategies for developing novel therapies for childhood cancer.

Who is this module for?

An undergraduate level in Cell and Molecular Biology is assumed and basic knowledge in cancer biology will be an advantage. This is an optional module for students enrolled in Msc Cell & Gene Therapy and Msc Personalised Medicine and Novel Therapies programmes.ÌýThis is one of the available core modules for the Msc Paediatrics and Child Health: Molecular and Genomic Paediatrics pathway, and an optional module for all other Msc Paediatrics and Child Health pathways.

Any Level 7 students interested in taking this as an optional module, please contact the Module leader

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching will be delivered via in-person lectures on the biology of childhood cancers and case studies, supplemented by online learning

Selected Reading List

Hanahan D., Weinberg R. A., Hallmarks of cancer: the next generation. Cell 144, 646-674 (2011).

Norris R. E., Adamson P. C., Challenges and opportunities in childhood cancer drug development. Nat Rev Cancer 12, 776-782 (2012).