Targeted treatments and immunotherapy for solid tumours: demystifying the science
Session 1: Targeted cancer treatments
Tuesday 18 February: 09:30am – 12:30pm
Over three presentations, Elaine guides you through the scientific concepts underpinning many of the most used targeted cancer treatments. Beginning with the bigger picture – what we can and can’t target – she then describes the mechanisms of action of the two main types of treatment: monoclonal antibodies that target cell surface proteins and small molecules that block kinases.
Many of these treatments target cell communication pathways. Elaine will explain the function of these pathways in healthy cells and their defects in cancer cells. She’ll also describe why blocking these pathways sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t.
Session 2: Cancer immunotherapy
Tuesday 04 March: 09:30am – 12:30pm
The focus of this morning is on cancer’s relationship with the immune system and how this knowledge is being used to improve the outlook of people with various solid tumours.
Elaine describes how checkpoint inhibitors boost cancer-fighting T cells. She also highlights some of the lessons learned through the hundreds of clinical trials with checkpoint inhibitors that have taken place over the past decade.
Lastly, Elaine explains how other forms of immunotherapy aim to create an anti-cancer immune response.
Delivery: The course comprises a series of two, three-hour sessions, delivered online via Microsoft Teams
Cost: £150 per person
Detailed information on the Newcastle Clinical Skills Academy website