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Cancer: Fundamentals, Origin and Therapy
Krebs: Grundlagen, Ursachen und Therapie
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:23
Abstract
Etiology of cancer. Epidemiology. Impact of food, physical activity and infections. Genetic predispositions. Molecular basis of cancer development. Concept of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Cancer stem cells and tumor micro-environment. Interactions between chemicals and DNA. Test systems to recognize mutagenic chemicals. Conventional and new therapeutic strategies, immunotherapy.
Objective
Students are able to describe selected chemicals, biological and molecular processes that occur in cells spontaneously or after physical or chemical exposure and resulting in a tumor. They are able to list important cancer-inducing agents and explain the respective mechanism of action. They have knowledge of significant risk factors for cancer diseases. They are confronted with the basics of toxicology and they can explain the principle of the most common therapeutic strategies.
Content
The lecture deals with problems of tumor epidemiology (causes, mortality, incidence). Cancer is delineated as a multi-step process. Classes of chemical compounds that induce cancer are discussed as well as the reactive metabolites that may be built from. Covalent binding to DNA is discussed and different types of mutations resulting therof. A selection of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes is presented. Their function will be discussed as well as the changes which are found in these genes in tumor cells, starting from single nucleotide exchanges up to large deletions. The reason for genetic predisposition to cancer will be discussed as well as cancer relevant aspects of cell cycle regulation. The role of tumor microenvironments and phenomenons like angiogenesis and metastasis are presented as well as the mechanisms that protect the genome from mutagenic damage. Further subjects address old and new strategies of cancer treatment. Personalised cancer treatment.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handouts with reproductions of all presented transparencies will be distributed.
Literature
- Weinberg, Robert: The biology of Cancer. 2014. 876 S.; ISBN 978-0-8153-4220-5, Garland Science, New York, USA additional information is given during the lecture
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Krebs: Grundlagen, Ursachen und Therapie |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (A list with possible electives will be published separately.)
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