Cancer Biology and Molecular Oncology (MBS-0235)

Spring 2025 · MBS 0235 · Tufts University · 1.5 credits · Undergraduate

Advancements in understanding cancer biology continue at an impressive rate. Scientific findings lead to better stratification of disease based on molecular drivers, as well as improvements in targeted therapy. These scientific and clinical advancements have, unsurprisingly, lead to improvements in cancer patient morbidity and mortality. In other words, patients survive longer and adjuvant therapies are better tolerated. What are the scientific advances underpinning our deepening knowledge of cancer initiation and metastasis? What are the new, targeted therapies that have led to improved cancer patient survival? The answers to these two questions will be explored through both lecture and discussion of scientific literature and clinical data. We will explore both the concepts of signal transduction and gene expression that underlie the development of targeted therapies and is an extension of the basic cell biology and biochemistry concepts taught to students in first-year courses. The material presented complements, but does not overlap, the Immunotherapy elective. Where appropriate, connections to the Immunotherapy elective will be highlighted.

Course codes: MBS-0235, MBS 0235, MBS0235, MBS-235, MBS 235, MBS235

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