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.

Knowledge and understanding 

• Describe different tumour types and discuss intra-tumoural cellularity
• Explain the relationship between cells in the tumour microenvironment
• Demonstrate a mechanistic understanding of cytotoxicity
• Identify biomarker sources and methods of analysis 

Intellectual skills            

• Evaluate the importance of understanding tumour heterogeneity
• Critically appraise the challenges presented by different tumour types
• Reflect on the key issues of tumour/host toxicity
• Understand the limitations of current techniques used for screening including biomarkers

Practical skills   

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Constructively debate current clinical approaches to different tumour types
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Transferable skills and personal qualities          

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance

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.

Knowledge and understanding               

• Describe different methodological approaches used to explore genomic medicine
• Explain the relationship between genetic profiling and treatment options
• Understand genetic predisposition to common cancers
• Gain a broad understanding of co-morbidity in cancer patients

Intellectual skills            

• Evaluate the importance of understanding genetic diversity
• Critically appraise the challenges presented by co-morbidity
• Reflect on the key issues of cancer prevention and lifestyle choices
• Understand the limitations of current models used in molecular cancer research

Practical skills                 

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Constructively debate current clinical approaches to consider underlying health, genetics and lifestyle choices
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Transferable skills and personal qualities             

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance

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.

Knowledge and understanding               

• Describe the immune system and how it can be utilised in cancer treatment
• Explain the relationship between the immune system and prognosis
• Outline the principles of targeted therapy
• Define the process from discovery to novel therapy

Intellectual skills                          

• Demonstrate reasoned arguments for the development of novel therapies
• Critically appraise the challenges presented by immunotherapy
• Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving regarding treatment selection based on clinical evidence
• Appraise current strategies for tumour specific therapies

Practical skills                 

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Audit current thinking in the development of medical products
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Transferable skills and personal qualities                           

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance

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.

Knowledge and understanding               

• Describe the key aspects of the oncology disciplines and how they can work synergistically
• Explain the principles of each treatment approach in oncology
• Assess the treatment needs of individual patients and construct an appropriate treatment plan
• Demonstrate an understanding of new technologies and innovation in Oncology

Intellectual skills                          

• Critically appraise the challenges presented by combining therapeutic interventions
• Demonstrate reasoned arguments for the development of AI technologies and novel therapies
• Interpret clinical and lifestyle observations to formulate the best therapeutic approach
• Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving regarding treatment selection based on clinical evidence

Practical skills                 

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Audit current thinking in the development of therapeutic strategies
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Transferable skills and personal qualities                           

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance

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.

Knowledge and understanding               

• Examine and discuss the science underpinning different radiotherapy equipment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of robust clinical evaluation and integration of imaging to improve accuracy and precision
• Appraise and critique the major medical imaging methods used in radiotherapy
• Explain the interaction of radiation and human tissue and describe the necessary safety precautions

Intellectual skills                          

• Describe the fundamental principles of physics underpinning radiotherapy
• Critically appraise the challenges of radiation toxicity
• Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving regarding treatment selection based on clinical evidence in radiotherapy physics
• Understand the limitations associated with current radiotherapy techniques and new developments in the field

Practical skills                 

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Audit current thinking in the development of radiotherapy strategies
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Transferable skills and personal qualities             

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance

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.

Knowledge and understanding               

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of early detection strategies
• Gain critical insights into appropriate methodologies and key considerations
• Appraise the effectiveness of cancer screening programmes in improving patient outcomes
• Identify where technology can improve current screening programmes

Intellectual skills                          

• Evidence-reasoned argument to implement population screening using country-specific case studies
• Demonstrate efficient and effective problem-solving strategies related to cancer early detection
• Analyse and evaluate molecular imaging techniques and their applications in cancer early detection
• Critically reflect on current practise to seek new approaches

Practical skills                 

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Audit current thinking in the development of early detection strategies
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Transferable skills and personal qualities             

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance

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.

Knowledge and understanding               

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of personalised medicine
• Gain critical insights into appropriate methodologies and key considerations
• Appraise current approaches to cancer risk stratification
• Understand the ethical considerations attached to personalised medicine

Intellectual skills                          

• Draw on learning to make critical judgement on the current strategies for precision oncology
• Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving strategies related to population based research
• Analyse and evaluate multi-modal data to identify high risk populations
• Critically reflect on current practise to seek new approaches

Practical skills                 

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Audit current thinking in the development of precision oncology
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Transferable skills and personal qualities                           

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance

The purpose of this final Unit is to reflect back on all the aspects of Transformative Oncology: the tumour biology, research, treatment and innovations you have learned on this programme and begin to consider your practice-changing priorities.

Using a patient-centered approach, we will explore the importance of listening to patients, ensuring clear and appropriate communication and the case for shared decision making. You will also learn about the value of multidisciplinary team working and how to establish or improve working practices in your institution to become more inclusive. Ultimately, this Unit will build your skills to enable you to influence and deliver the best possible cancer care.

Knowledge and understanding               

• Appraise the benefits and challenges associate with shared decision making
• Develop communication skills and approaches to inclusive practise
• Understand the value and importance of patient involvement
• Define strategies to support cancer patients and survivorship beyond the clinic

Intellectual skills                          

• Draw on learning and define key priorities for new approaches
• Understand how to adapt treatment delivery to suit the individual patient
• Analyse and evaluate findings from qualitative research
• Critically reflect on current practise to seek new approaches

Practical skills                 

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner
• Communicate clear concepts and detail in lay language

Transferable skills and personal qualities                           

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance