Ateneo - UPO

The course covers the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. Topics include the classification, staging, and grading of neoplasms, the biological characteristics of cancer cells, the genetic and molecular alterations involved in carcinogenesis, the mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis, and the interactions between tumors, the microenvironment, and the immune system. The course also addresses the major genetic and environmental risk factors associated with cancer development, as well as the principal local and systemic manifestations of neoplastic diseases.

PowerPoint slides will be provided; selected chapters from “Patologia generale e fisiopatologia generale" - Volume 1- Edizione:VII 2026 - Editore:Piccin; Patogenesi (Basi genetiche e molecolari delle malattie) - Editore Piccin

The aim of the course is to provide fundamental knowledge of the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand the role of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental alterations in cancer development, interpret the major mechanisms regulating tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and dissemination, and distinguish the biological and pathological characteristics of benign and malignant neoplasms. Participants will also acquire a solid understanding of the processes of carcinogenesis, the interactions between tumors, the tumor microenvironment, and the immune system, as well as the major cancer risk factors and the local and systemic manifestations of neoplastic diseases, providing the foundation for understanding the biological basis of tumor development and progression.

Good knowledge of Molecular and Cell Biology; Biochemistry; Genetic; Histology; Anatomy; General Physiology.

The course consists of theoretical lectures. Learning assessment is carried out through discussion of the topics covered during the course.

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 of an oral examination. The student is required to learn all the program subjects. He/she is expected to master not only the subjects but also the scientific language. The minimum mark will be 18/30 the maximum 30/30. To reach the minimum mark the student has to learn the key aspects of the pathogenesis of human diseases, conversely, to obtain the maximum mark he/she must have a deep knowledge of the treated topics together with a critical capability to discuss the arguments related to the scientific program.

Incidence, prevalence, and distribution of the major human cancers. Criteria for benignity and malignancy: biological, cytomorphological, behavioral, and clinical features distinguishing benign from malignant neoplasms. Anatomical localization, histological classification, and histogenetic origin of the major human tumors. Tumor staging and grading: principles and criteria for tumor staging and histological grading. Biological characteristics of neoplastic cells. Morphological, biochemical, and behavioral atypia of neoplastic cells, including cytological abnormalities affecting cellular structures and organelles; fundamental histological atypia of neoplastic tissues; biochemical alterations in tumor cells; and behavioral abnormalities, including defects in cell recognition, intercellular adhesion, motility, and cell–extracellular matrix interactions. Alterations of the cell cycle in cancer cells and mechanisms underlying the loss of control of cellular differentiation and proliferation. Mechanisms of resistance to apoptosis. Metabolic alterations in cancer. Proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Altered expression of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Molecular events involved in neoplastic transformation. Genetic alterations associated with cancer, including karyotypic abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations. The process of carcinogenesis and its stages. Monoclonal and polyclonal origin of tumors. Cancer stem cells. Multistep carcinogenesis: initiation, promotion, and progression. Molecular mechanisms underlying the different stages of carcinogenesis. Neoplastic progression: biological features, tumor heterogeneity, genetic instability, and factors driving tumor progression. Selective events influencing tumor progression. Immune responses to cancer. Growth patterns of neoplastic tissues; tumor–extracellular matrix interactions; tumor invasiveness. Tumor angiogenesis. The metastatic process: stages and routes of metastasis. Etiological factors in human cancer. Genetic predisposition to cancer. Hereditary disorders associated with increased cancer risk and inherited genomic alterations in selected human neoplasms. Carcinogenesis induced by physical agents, chemical carcinogens, and oncogenic viruses. Cancer risk factors associated with lifestyle and occupational exposure. Local and systemic manifestations of cancer, including cancer cachexia and paraneoplastic syndromes.

According to the Dublin Descriptors: D1 – Knowledge and Understanding: The student will acquire knowledge and understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the development of neoplastic disease. The student will also learn to use appropriate scientific terminology. D2 – Applying Knowledge and Understanding: The student will be able to apply the acquired knowledge across all disciplines requiring an understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying disease. This knowledge will support the student in both diagnostic laboratory activities and research. D3 – Making Judgements: The student will develop the ability to independently and critically analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying pathological processes. D4 – Communication Skills: The student will acquire the ability to communicate the knowledge gained using accurate and discipline-specific terminology, enabling effective and professional interaction in both academic and future professional settings. The student will demonstrate mastery of appropriate terminology related to pathogenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, the student will develop the ability to communicate acquired knowledge clearly and understandably, including to a non-specialist audience. D5 – Learning Skills: The student will develop the ability to use the provided teaching materials for critical and reasoned study of the topics covered. In addition, the student will be able to independently deepen and update their knowledge by reading textbooks and scientific articles on issues related to all the topics addressed during the course.