Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Define the roles of different immune components that drive/hinder anti-tumour responses.
• Examine fundamental immunological interactions at the host:tumour interface.
• Assess the current immunotherapeutic approaches and their efficacy in different cancers in the clinic.
• Outline the key immunological processes that underpin tumour immune evasion and progression.
• Explain the immunological principles underpinning different types of immunotherapy.
• Evaluate potential future immunotherapy strategies that are the focus of research in Southampton.

The module will build upon the knowledge gained from the Immunology and cell biology modules in Semester 1, utilising the basics of the immune system and immune response and applying this to the tumour setting. In the first part of this module, students will gain an in-depth overview of our current understanding of the role of the immune system in the development and progression of cancer, from immunosurveillance mechanisms to the hijack of immune cells for tumour growth. In the second part of the module, students will explore these pathways and immunological mechanisms for therapeutic benefit, understanding the different immunotherapeutic strategies and their mechanism of action to the translation of these into patients through clinical trials and treatment.

Themed topics for this module include:

Cancer Immunology:

• Immunological hallmarks of cancer
• Cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting
• Host-tumour immune interface
• Immunological characteristics of the tumour microenvironment
• Tumour antigens
• Anti-tumour and pro-tumour immune responses

Cancer Immunotherapy:

• Immunological approaches to immunotherapy
• Types of immunotherapy

oMonoclonal antibodies

oCheckpoint inhibitors

oAdoptive cell therapy and CARs

oVaccines

oNK cells

oCytokine therapy

• Target identification, validation and optimisation
• Animal models
• Translation to the clinic and clinical trials
• Further therapeutic directions and current research in Southampton

The module will be comprised of a variety of teaching and learning methods to promote a range of skills and meet the different learning styles of the course participants.

Teaching will include theoretical sessions such as seminars, lectures and workshops to provide a solid basis for understanding the theory of tumour immunology and will be taught by a range of academic and clinical professionals. Problem based learning, small group sessions and interactive workshops will be facilitated by expert researchers and clinicians to allow students to gain an in depth of theoretical understanding as well as a broad perspective of the practical application and translation of current research and therapeutic approaches into the clinic.

Students will be encouraged to participate in small group workshops by preparing resources and questions for peers, directing content and themes of the small group sessions, the opportunity for self and peer assessment as part of formative feedback, as well as reflecting on how they regulate their own learning and response to feedback.

Online virtual learning environments will support independent learning through use of Blackboard and Q&A forums to promote and enhance student learning.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Workshop activities

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Peer and group verbal feedback, facilitator verbal feedback (~15-30 min Journal Club style presentation, followed by Q&A/feedback).
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: Yes

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.