Cancer immunology 2600-S1-CM-PW7b-IN

Students participating in cancer immunology classes will gain knowledge about the functioning of the immune system in the context of cancer development and treatment. They will learn the differences between innate and adaptive immunity and their roles in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells. They will understand mechanisms through which cancers evade immune responses, such as reduced MHC molecule expression or the induction of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, as well as immunological mechanisms protecting against cancer development, like immunosurveillance.

Students will also learn how environmental factors such as diet, stress, and infections influence the immune system's function and may contribute to cancer development. They will explore the significance of oncogenic pathogens and inflammation in the carcinogenesis process. They will be introduced to the phenomenon of spontaneous cancer remission and its potential mechanisms.

Throughout the course, students will be familiarized with various forms of cancer immunotherapy, including both passive (e.g., monoclonal antibody administration) and active (e.g., cancer vaccines) therapies, as well as unconventional cancer treatment methods. They will understand the role of a patient's mental state during cancer therapy, exploring topics related to neuroimmunomodulation. Additionally, they will acquire foundational knowledge in cancer immunodiagnostics, enabling them to comprehend methods used in cancer diagnosis and therapy monitoring.

Total student workload

Participation in lectures – 15 Participation in auditorium exercises – 0 Participation in laboratory exercises – 0 Participation in field exercises – 0 Participation in consultations – 2 Preparation for the final assessment and attendance – 23 Total student workload – 40 hours

Learning outcomes - knowledge

W1: Defines the concepts of antigen, immunogen, antibody, innate and adaptive immunity, vaccination, herd immunity, major histocompatibility complex, inflammatory process, allergy, neuroimmunomodulation – K_W01, K_W02 W2: Describes the structure and functioning of the immune system and lymphatic organs – K_W01, K_W06 W3: Describes the types of immunity in humans and their mechanisms – K_W01, K_W06 W4: Describes the types of cancers occurring in Poland – K_W01, K_W02, K_W06, K_W08 W5: Describes and explains the immunological mechanisms involved in oncological diseases – K_W02, K_W06, K_W14 W6: Defines the concepts of immunosuppression, immunomodulation, and immunostimulation – K_W01, K_W02, K_W06 W7: Describes the symptoms associated with oncological diseases – K_W02

Learning outcomes - skills

U1: Applies knowledge of immunology in the analysis of oncological diseases – K_U02 U2: Uses basic qualitative and quantitative methods to assess processes involving the immune system – K_U01, K_U03 U3: Assesses risks leading to oncological diseases – K_U08 U4: Assesses health and life risks caused by an improper lifestyle – K_U08 U5: Learns independently in a focused manner – K_U17 U6: Has the ability to analyze basic diagnostic tests used in oncology – K_U10, K_U16 U7: Can use source information in Polish and foreign languages (including electronic sources), performs analysis, synthesis, summarizes, and critically evaluates, enabling proper reasoning and scientific discussion – K_U11, K_U12

Learning outcomes - social competencies

U1: Applies knowledge of immunology in the analysis of oncological diseases – K_U02 U2: Uses basic qualitative and quantitative methods to assess processes involving the immune system – K_U01, K_U03 U3: Assesses risks leading to oncological diseases – K_U08 U4: Assesses health and life risks caused by an improper lifestyle – K_U08 U5: Learns independently in a focused manner – K_U17 U6: Has the ability to analyze basic diagnostic tests used in oncology – K_U10, K_U16 U7: Can use source information in Polish and foreign languages (including electronic sources), performs analysis, synthesis, summarizes, and critically evaluates, which enables proper reasoning and scientific discussion – K_U11, K_U12

Teaching methods

Lecture with multimedia presentation, discussion

Expository teaching methods

- discussion
- problem-based lecture
- narration
- informative (conventional) lecture

Exploratory teaching methods

- classic problem-solving
- brainstorming

Online teaching methods

- methods referring to authentic or fictitious situations
- exchange and discussion methods
- methods developing reflexive thinking

Type of course

elective course

Prerequisites

Knowledge of basic biology (especially anatomy and physiology)

Course coordinators

Sylwia Wrotek

Assessment criteria

Lecture assessment: graded pass in the form of a completion test (online or in-person), with the following grading scale:

55-60% – pass
61-70% – pass with distinction
71-80% – good
81-90% – good with distinction
91-100% – very good

Bibliography

Literature:
Roitt I., Brostoff J. Male D. Immunologia. PZWL 2000 i nowsze;
- Gołąb J., Jakóbisiak M., Lasek W. Immunologia. PWN 2004 i nowsze;
- Buczek J., Deptuła W., Gliński Z., Jarosz J., Stosik M., Wernicki A. Immunologia porównawcza i rozwojowa zwierząt. PWN 2000;
UJ 1998.
and
- Deptuła W., Buczek J. Zarys immunologii ssaków 1998;
- Płytycz B., Gliński Z., Jarosz J., Książkiewicz-Kapralska M., Markowska M., Skwarło-Sońta K. Immunologia porównawcza 1999
- Playfair J. H. L., Chain B. M. Immunologia w zarysie 2005

Notes

Term 2022/23Z:

None

Term 2023/24Z:

None

Term 2024/25Z:

None

Term 2025/26Z:

None

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2600-S1-CM-PW7b-IN in USOSweb