Cancer Biology and Targeted Treatments for Solid Tumours: De-mystifying the Science for Cancer Nurses

1-day course:  Cancer Biology and Targeted Treatments for Solid Tumours: De-mystifying the Science for Cancer Nurses

Level: Intermediate (This course is ideal for cancer nurses or anyone involved in the delivery of cancer clinical trials. A refresher on concepts such as DNA, genes, proteins and the cell cycle is provided at the start of the day.)

Description: The focus of the day is on licensed targeted treatments for solid tumours, including monoclonal antibodies (eg. cetuximab, trastuzumab, panitumumab, bevacizumab) and small molecule kinase inhibitors (eg. erlotinib, gefitinib, lapatinib, vemurafenib, everolimus, temsirolimus, sorafenib, sunitinib, pazopanib, crizotinib). It also touches on experimental approaches such as PARP inhibitors and ALK inhibitors, as well as discussing the use of biomarkers and the possibility of personalised cancer care.

Programme

Cancer cell biology & genetics – key concepts:
  • Cells, DNA, chromosomes, genes, proteins
  • Cell division & the cell cycle
  • How cells communicate
  • Oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes
  • Causes, types and consequences of DNA damage
Targets and treatments part 1:
  • An overview of current targeted cancer treatments
  • Cell communication pathways as a key drug target
  • Introducing monoclonal antibodies & small molecule kinase inhibitors
Targets and treatments part 2:
  • Drugs that target epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR & HER2
  • PI3K,AKT & mTOR inhibitors
  • B-RAF & MEK inhibitors

Practical exercise

Targets and treatments part 3:
  • Angiogenesis inhibitors
  • ALK inhibitors
  • PARP inhibitors
Biomarkers and the personalisation of cancer treatment
  • Introduction to biomarkers
  • The use of biomarkers to select patients for trials and treatments for patients
  • The future of personalised cancer medicine