ID:
501585
Duration (hours):
24
CFU:
3
SSD:
FARMACOLOGIA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Secondo Semestre (02/03/2026 - 12/06/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The aim of the course is to study the types and the clinical use of antitumor drugs.
Starting from a specific biochemical and pathological background, the course provides a detailed picture of the main classes of antitumor drugs (small molecules, biologics, others). The course also highlights the fundamental role of the pharmacological research in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and therapies.
The course encourages the student to critically study and review the literature.
Expected learning goals:
- To know the key differences between a normal cell and a cancer cell;
- To know what research and development of a drug in oncology is, based on the target discovery and validation;
- Knowledge of the milestones of tumor therapies, in particular of the pharmacological cures (traditional drugs and more relevant, novel drugs);
- Knowledge of the main antitumor therapeutics and their features.
- Knowledge of the generalities (mechanisms of action, use, side effects) of some selected new antitumor drugs and their related pathologic context.
Course Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
The course is based on lectures provided by the instructor. No practical exams.
No in itinere tests.
Attending the course is strongly encouraged.
Moreover, for students with specific needs, who cannot attend teaching activities in person and who have applied for Inclusive teaching modality, adequate didactic material will be available for fruitful independent study. If requested, self-learning can be supported by tutoring or supplementary teaching activities, and by dedicated meetings, including online, with time flexibility depending on needs.
Assessment Methods
Final written exam at the end of the lessons.
The examination consists of both multiple-choice tests and open questions on representative drugs/targets presented during teaching sessions. Knowledge of the general context and main features of a given therapeutic target and/or drug, will be required. The use of the appropriate language will be also evaluated.
Minimum rate to pass the exam 18/30).
Texts
The main text is represented by didactic slides provided by the teacher – link for the download is on the KIRO page of the course.
Contents
The development of novel effective chemotherapeutic drugs requires the knowledge of the main principles relative to molecular and cellular pharmacology, allowing to find out appropriate therapeutic targets, that are molecules or pathways relevant for the etiopathogenesis of tumors.
Biology of tumors, preclinical and clinical research for drug discovery and development; protein kinases; membrane receptors and transduction signals; intracellular kinases and cell cycles-related enzymes; apoptosis; main novel targeted therapies (such as kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, aptamers, antisense); drugs targeting angiogenesis and others of particular interest.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Further support will be assured by the Professor in case of specific categories of Students (workers, learning problems or pathologies) in agreement with the University rules.
Degrees
Degrees
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Bachelor’s Degree
3 years
No Results Found
People
People
No Results Found