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Oncology

November 11, 2024-November 21, 2024

Course Director
Louis Rapkin, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
louis.rapkin@chp.edu

Course Description

This course introduces students to the underlying pathophysiology and phenomenology of cancer, presenting basic approaches to assessment and management, of both blood and solid tumors.

Course Objectives

  1. Outline the genetic basis of oncogenesis, including disruptions to genomic fidelity, and differentiate the roles of oncogenes and tumor suppressor mutations. Define clonal disorders and compare their ability to gain drug resistance versus normal tissue.
  2. Summarize trends in cancer prevalence and survival in the US since 1990 using SEER data and list primary care interventions to prevent cancer from the US Preventive Services Task Force.
  3. Define and interpret TNM staging from patient documents, and compare it to grouping and grading systems
  4. Define adjuvant, neoadjuvant, local control, systemic therapy, and identify two modalities of local control and the three classes of systemic therapies for cancer
  5. List principles guiding discussions on diagnosis, relapse, and hospice, and begin developing a personal script for these conversations
  6. Apply staging and treatment concepts to clinical scenarios for four cancers: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Glioblastoma Multiforme, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
  7. Diagnose and outline the treatment of five common oncological emergencies in clinical scenarios
  8. Identify common chemotherapy side effects, explain their mechanisms, and develop treatment plans for these side effects in clinical scenarios.
  9. List concerns of cancer survivors, including fertility loss, and explore resources for survivor care and support
  10. Define and compare supportive care, palliative care, and hospice, and apply these definitions in clinical scenarios

Educational Methods​

  • Case-based learning
  • Small group workshops
  • Patient presentations
  • Self-study
  • Review sessions
  • Weekly assessments (Formative, Summative)

Evaluation

Evaluation for this course is based on a cumulative, graded Summative exam.

Requests for excused absences should be submitted via Elentra. Unexcused absences may result in grading penalties as outlined in the Policy on Absence and Attendance.