Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide insights on the molecular and cellular basis of neoplastic pathologies. The cellular pathways most commonly dysregulated in tumors, the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressors most frequently mutated in cancer, the role of the environment and extracellular stimuli in neoplastic transformation will be described in detail. These topics will be accompanied by notions on diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies.

The Biology of Cancer, Robert A Weinberg, Garland Science
A Guide to Cancer: Origins and Revelations
Melford John, CRC Press

Cancer Cell Signaling: Targeting Signaling Pathways Toward Therapeutic Approaches to Cancer, Ayyanathan, Kasirajan, CRC Press

Cellular Signal Processing: An Introduction to the Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction, 2nd Edition

Friedrich Marks, Ursula Klingmüller, Karin Müller-Decker, Garland Science ISBN 9780815345343

Case Studies in Cancer
Richard J. Lee, Jeremy S. Abramson, Richard A. Goldsby, WW Norton & Co

Understanding Cancer: An Introduction to the Biology, Medicine, and Societal Implications of this Disease, 1st Edition, J. Richard McIntosh, Garland Science

The course will present an overview of cancer development processes at cellular and molecular level, outlining the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The main biochemical pathways of normal tissues involved in carcinogenesis will also be presented, including regulatory networks involved in the control of cell growth and death. Cellular and molecular techniques for the study of progression, treatment and prevention of cancer will also be presented. The cellular and tissue morphological aspects of the carcinogenic process will be explained, with a wide and selected case history that includes neoplastic histotypes in relation to pathogenesis, prognosis and biological behavior. The morphological logic underlying the effectiveness of drug therapies with a molecular objective will also be demonstrated. The understanding of these topics, integrated with those of other courses, will allow the student to apply the knowledge acquired for the development of design ideas to be applied at a diagnostic and therapeutic level.

Cellular and molecular biology, human physiology, and pathology knowledge.

The course employs an integrated teaching approach that combines traditional lectures (didattica erogativa) for presenting theoretical and methodological frameworks with interactive learning activities (didattica interattiva).
Students will be actively engaged through guided discussions of case studies, critical analysis of scientific literature, and hands-on/group activities. This approach aims to foster critical thinking, the autonomous application of knowledge, and the communication skills expected at the Master’s level.

Learning will be monitored through questions put to students during the lessons.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-
students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam consists only of a written test. The written test evaluates the student's ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course and consists of three types of questions: A) multiple choice questions B) open-ended questions C) histological identification The level of difficulty of the questions corresponds to the program carried out and to the reference texts indicated on DIR. For each of the questions, for questions A, 1 point are assigned, for questions B up to 5 points, for questions C up to 2 points; the written test is considered passed if the overall assessment is not less than 18 points. During the written test it is not allowed to consult notes, books or other material. To achieve a passing grade, students must demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the core concepts and topics covered in the course. To achieve a high grade, the student must demonstrate an autonomy of judgment and a critical sense related to the topics covered, exposing their conclusions in a clear and logical way.The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths (minimum mark 18).
30 - 30 cum Laude (Excellent): Demonstrates an impeccable and in-depth knowledge of biological mechanisms. Answers are thorough and rigorous, showcasing strong critical thinking, high autonomy of judgment, and excellent interdisciplinary connections. The writing is fluid, well-argued, and relies on flawless specialized terminology.
27 - 29 (Very Good): Demonstrates thorough knowledge and a solid capacity for analyzing and synthesizing biological processes. The written response is clear, logically structured, and supported by appropriate scientific terminology throughout.
24 - 26 (Good): Demonstrates a good grasp of core concepts, despite minor isolated gaps in details or complex connections. The response is correct, well-organized, and uses mostly appropriate scientific language.
21 - 23 (Satisfactory / Fair): Demonstrates a predominantly descriptive or rote knowledge of concepts. Limited ability to apply concepts to case studies or critically address written prompts. The language is simple, yet free of major conceptual errors.
19 - 20 (Pass / Marginal): Demonstrates minimal and fragmented knowledge of course content, struggling to comprehend biological implications. The written text is poorly developed and shows uncertain or limited use of scientific terminology.
18 (Sufficient / Minimum Pass): Demonstrates only a basic and essential knowledge of the syllabus core concepts. Responses are minimally developed, critical thinking is limited, and there are noticeable difficulties in connecting biological processes alongside terminological inaccuracies.

The nature of the cancer cell: cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis Oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Growth factors, receptors and cancer. Telomerase. Cancer development and Darwinian evolution. Cancer stem cells. Oncogenic viruses. Immune system and cancer. The metabolism of tumors. Precision anticancer therapies. Morphology of the epithelial neoplastic cell: practical application of the definition of dysplasia. Morphology of the non-epithelial neoplastic cell: acquisition of the totipotent phenotype. Tissue morphology of malignant neoplasms. Tissue and cell morphological alterations after neoadjuvant therapy: morphological indices of therapeutic response. During the lessons, whenever the opportunity arises, we will focus on gender-related issues.

-Knowledge and understanding: acquisition of in-depth knowledge of the biological basis of neoplastic growth. Knowledge of the concepts and applications of cancer biology and acquisition of appropriate scientific language. -Applied knowledge and comprehension skills: at the end of the course, the student will be able to know the histopathological basis of neoplasms. -Autonomy of judgment: ability to critically analyse the elements related to tumour biology. -Communication skills: use an appropriate scientific lexicon, describe scientific topics related to cancer biology, with a logical and rational approach. -Learning ability: Ability to use teaching materials for a critical and reasoned study.