Topics in Cancer

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course focuses on several aspects of the molecular and cellular biology of hormone dependent cancers. We also discuss the basis of chemical/viral carcinogenesis and the progression, treatment, and prevention of cancer. The role of steroid hormones and their receptors in the control of growth, development, and specialized cell function is discussed in the context of normal and abnormal gene expression in human development and disease. Key historical events, research approaches, utilization of knowledge, recent advances in drug design and herbal medicines, and philosophies of scientific research are also covered. An additional goal is to provide an understanding of the contributions of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) to breast cancer tumorigenesis, and to discuss emerging approaches to target TAMs for therapeutic benefit.