Oncologia sperimentale
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to deepen understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying
tumorigenesis and tumor progression, with a particular focus on innovative principles driving the
development of anti-cancer therapies. The teaching emphasizes the rational and experimental
approach that characterizes oncology research, using recent scientific articles and monographs as
educational materials. A distinctive feature of the course is its interactivity: students will not only learn
but will also actively participate in presenting selected scientific materials through a Journal Club
format coordinated by the instructor. This approach will help refine key skills such as preparing and
presenting complex scientific content, offering a comprehensive and stimulating educational
experience. In addition to gaining in-depth knowledge of oncology, students will develop essential
communication and analytical skills, indispensable for future work in research and scientific
dissemination.
tumorigenesis and tumor progression, with a particular focus on innovative principles driving the
development of anti-cancer therapies. The teaching emphasizes the rational and experimental
approach that characterizes oncology research, using recent scientific articles and monographs as
educational materials. A distinctive feature of the course is its interactivity: students will not only learn
but will also actively participate in presenting selected scientific materials through a Journal Club
format coordinated by the instructor. This approach will help refine key skills such as preparing and
presenting complex scientific content, offering a comprehensive and stimulating educational
experience. In addition to gaining in-depth knowledge of oncology, students will develop essential
communication and analytical skills, indispensable for future work in research and scientific
dissemination.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to: a) understand and comprehend the cellular and
molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and tumor progression, acquiring the foundational
knowledge needed to independently design research projects aimed at identifying novel pathogenic
mechanisms and developing potential therapeutic strategies in oncology; b) critically analyze
scientific publications in the field of experimental oncology, evaluating their methodologies, results,
and scientific impact; c) effectively communicate complex scientific content through structured oral
presentations supported by slides, demonstrating skills in synthesis, clarity of expression, and
mastery of the topics addressed.
molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and tumor progression, acquiring the foundational
knowledge needed to independently design research projects aimed at identifying novel pathogenic
mechanisms and developing potential therapeutic strategies in oncology; b) critically analyze
scientific publications in the field of experimental oncology, evaluating their methodologies, results,
and scientific impact; c) effectively communicate complex scientific content through structured oral
presentations supported by slides, demonstrating skills in synthesis, clarity of expression, and
mastery of the topics addressed.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
· Genomic approaches in cancer
· Noncoding RNA and cancer
· Synthetic lethality and cancer dependencies
· Autophagy and pharmacological approaches
· Oncogene-induced Senescence, paracrine senescence and therapeutic targeting
· Cancer metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, circulating tumor cells and the liquid biopsy
· Tumor microenvironment: cancer-associated fibroblasts, extracellular vesicles and nerve-tumor crosstalk
· Tumor cell plasticity, cancer stem cells and drug resistance
· Caloric restriction: role in ageing and therapy
· Trained immunity
· Immune system, cancer and immunotherapy
· Sex disparity in cancer
· Noncoding RNA and cancer
· Synthetic lethality and cancer dependencies
· Autophagy and pharmacological approaches
· Oncogene-induced Senescence, paracrine senescence and therapeutic targeting
· Cancer metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, circulating tumor cells and the liquid biopsy
· Tumor microenvironment: cancer-associated fibroblasts, extracellular vesicles and nerve-tumor crosstalk
· Tumor cell plasticity, cancer stem cells and drug resistance
· Caloric restriction: role in ageing and therapy
· Trained immunity
· Immune system, cancer and immunotherapy
· Sex disparity in cancer
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
Teacher's lessons supported by slides. Discussion of scientific articles regarding the program topics in groups of students, assisted by the teacher.
Teaching Resources
All materials (slides of the lessons, presentations, articles) will be made available on Ariel/MS Teams.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exams (Open questions on the course topics) to evaluate acquired knowledge and understanding on the topic. Students will have the opportunity to present, on a voluntary basis, one or more articles regarding the program topics during the ordinary lessons, with the help of the teacher. If choosing this option (and limited to the current academic year), evaluation of this activity will consist of 75% of total evaluation at the final exam. Final mark will be given as score out of 30.
MED/04 - EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Gandellini Paolo
Professor(s)
Reception:
to be agreed by e-mail
Dept. Biosciences, floor 7, tower B