Special Systems Pharmacology

The major aim of the course will be to deepen the knowledge of chemotherapy and neuropsychopharmacology as well as the pharmacological aspects of the drugs most commonly used in either fields. The main classes of chemotherapic drugs (antibiotics, anticancer drugs) and drugs used for the treatment of psychiatric diseases (antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, drugs for the treatment of bipolar disorder) will be investigated. Of both classes, some original scientific articles will be discussed with interactive critical discussion.

At the end of the course, the student must demonstrate to have learned the rationale for the therapeutic use of both macro-classes of drugs, deepening their mechanism of action and side effects, appropriately assessing their risk/benefit. Particular attention will be paid to the interactions and the possible manifestation of resistance to their use.