Transformative Oncology

This unit will provide an appreciation of tumour diversity and intra-tumour heterogeneity. Building on your background knowledge of basic tumour biology, this unit will extend and update your understanding of how the underlying biology of any tumour might impact detection and treatment success. We will introduce the concept of heterogeneity within individual tumours including cellular composition and how this might affect tumour growth and detection. We will differentiate between different tumour types and explore how these present challenges within the clinical setting. You will learn current strategies, methods and approaches used to inform key decision making.

This unit will provide an appreciation of the underlying complexity of individual tumours and an understanding that every patients’ cancer experience and treatment journey is different. Through consideration of a patients’ heritage, environmental exposure and the presence of pre-existing illness, you will learn the potential impact on stage at diagnosis and subsequent treatment options.

You will gain critical insights into the importance of treating each cancer case as unique as we build towards precision medicine.

This unit will explore the principles which underpin the rapidly expanding field of Immuno-Oncology and other targeted therapies. You will gain a solid understanding from our experts on the methodologies and how cutting-edge, translational research contributes directly to clinical decision making.  Through increased understanding of this crucial partnership between research and clinical practise, you will also develop the skills and insights to explore ways to repurpose existing drugs to target new tumour types and learn about novel approaches. You will gain critical insights into the types of targeted therapy and new medical products that use gene therapy, cell therapy and tissue engineering.

This unit will provide you with a thorough understanding of how the 3 branches of oncology: Medical, Clinical and Surgical can complement each other to provide the best possible outcome for patients. You will gain critical insights into each specialty and a clear understanding of how each one has a place in the clinical management of cancer, whilst gaining an appreciation of how interpretation, communication and decision making are key skills required to manage each individual cancer case. This enhanced understanding of how these specialties can be synergistically delivered with patient care will broaden your understanding of current practises in a way which can be integrated directly into your practice.

This unit will provide an essential understanding of the physics underlying radiotherapy.  You will learn about the key developments and current challenges facing the field and how research in Manchester is leading the way with innovative approaches. Gaining an understanding of the physics underpinning radiotherapy treatments will provide you with a deeper understanding of how complementary techniques such as imaging are changing the way cancer patients are benefitting from radiotherapy. Further, you will gain a greater understanding of methods used to increase accuracy and precision of radiotherapy through robust evaluation.

This unit will provide a fundamental understanding of the importance of early detection as a power tool to revolutionise cancer patient outcomes.  You will learn about different approaches, benefits and methodologies for population screening programmes to detect precancerous change or early stage disease using case studies from Manchester. The Unit will cover insights into effective risk stratification as well as new and emerging technologies in digital medicine, Imaging tools and smart systems.  Throughout the Unit, there will be critical insights into the importance of directed research, patient involvement, public awareness of risk and health data considerations, all of which are essential to ensure the success of early detection strategies.

This unit focusses on key principles and discoveries which underpin the drive towards personalised medicine.  In the technological era, both biological and genetic understanding and technological capability are evolving at a rapid rate.  We will cover current approaches to identify treatment-sensitive cancer subtypes, the benefits of accessing and integrating big data to inform new personalised strategies and look at innovative approaches to assess cancer risk in specific populations. We will also explore the essential role of patient and public involvement and reflect on the importance of taking steps to address cancer disparities as we strive for precision medicine for all.