94503 - Oncolytic Carriers: Innovative Approaches to Anticancer Therapy

Academic Year 2024/2025

  • Moduli: Tatiana Gianni (Modulo 1) Tatiana Gianni (Modulo 2) Tatiana Gianni (Modulo 3)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2) Traditional lectures (Modulo 3)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Medicine and Surgery (cod. 5904)

Course contents

Oncolytic viruses coupled with immunotherapy are currently one of the most promising alternatives for certain types of tumors toward which standard therapies are ineffective. Knowledge of this anticancer approach allows the student to expand his or her expertise on alternative cancer therapies. Modifications that can be introduced into a virus in order to make it specific for cancer cells will be considered during the course. Examples of oncolytic viruses encoding genes designed to stimulate the immune response toward the tumor will be examined, and the inherent criticalities of using oncolytic therapy will be considered. Data from various clinical trials currently underway will also be shown and analyzed.

Readings/Bibliography

The slides and notes taken in class are indispensable for exam preparation.

Some articles of interest will also be pointed out for the purpose of furthering certain topics.

Teaching methods

Lectures on course topics are based exclusively on scientific publications and the results (total/partial) of various ongoing clinical trials.

Assessment methods

Presentation and discussion of a selected scientific article

Teaching tools

Instructional materials presented in class will be made available to the student in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Tatiana Gianni