A five day course covering the biology, science and mechanisms behind the diverse range of targeted drug treatments and new immunotherapies for cancer with an overview of how they work – focusing on the science behind them – and giving descriptions of which treatments are relevant to each of the most common solid tumours and haematological cancers.
Dr Elaine Vickers – a leading independent educator on the science of new cancer treatments – translates complex and often overwhelming topics into easily digestible and understandable knowledge.
From demystifying jargon to explaining the resistance mechanisms to many new treatments – including the way cancer cells diversify, evolve and avoid destruction by the immune system – this course is ideal for all healthcare professionals involved in the delivery of cancer care.
Course delivery
The course comprises a series of five morning sessions delivered online via Microsoft Teams:
| Session | Topic |
| Session 1 | Cancer cell biology and genetics and an introduction to modern cancer therapies |
| Session 2 | Targeted cancer treatments for solid tumours |
| Session 3 | Immunotherapy for solid tumours |
| Session 4 | Targeted therapy & immunotherapy for haematological cancers – part 1 |
| Session 5 | Targeted therapy & immunotherapy for haematological cancers – part 2 |
Learning outcomes
By the end of this comprehensive 5 day programme delegates will gain a greater understanding of:
- Cancer genetics, how cells work, the causes of cancer, how it spreads and how cancer cells evolve, types and patterns of DNA damage found in cancer cells and their consequences.
- Targeted cancer treatments for solid tumours, antibody-based and small molecule drugs, their uses and mechanisms of action, and the rise of antibody-drug-conjugates.
- Immunotherapy for solid tumours, including the relationship between cancer and the immune system, immune checkpoint inhibitors and the future of immunotherapy for solid tumours.
- The biology and genetics of haematological cancers, and the consequences of common chromosome translocations and other mutations, the unique properties of B cell-derived cancers and why they account for >80% of all haematological cancers diagnosed in the UK.
- Targeted treatments for leukaemias and lymphomas, such as FLT3 inhibitors and Bcr-Abl inhibitors, and immunotherapies including T cell engagers and CAR T cell therapy.
In closing there is an overview of the results so far, the lessons learned, and what the future might look like.
Course lead
Dr Elaine Vickers, PhD, of Science Communicated Ltd, has worked as a cancer educator for over twenty years. She has previously worked as a science communicator for three of the UK’s leading medical research charities, including four years in the Science Information team at Cancer Research UK.
She is passionate about demystifying the science behind cancer biology and the latest cancer treatments such as kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapies and is experienced in teaching people with any level of scientific or medical knowledge from cancer patients through to medical oncologists.
Her book, A Beginner’s Guide to Targeted Cancer Treatments, was commended by the British Medical Association. A second edition is due out in 2024.
Audience
This course is ideal for experienced cancer nurses, clinical trials staff or other professionals involved in the delivery of cancer care who want to update and expand their existing knowledge, whilst developing deeper confidence when discussing treatment options with colleagues and patients.