Cancer Drug Discovery: Creating Cancer Therapies

• Understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer.
• Gain proficiency in techniques used in cancer drug discovery.
• Analyze the stages of drug development, from research to clinical trials.
• Explore the ethical and regulatory considerations in cancer therapy development.
• Develop practical skills through hands-on projects and case studies.

Module 1: Understanding Cancer and Drug Discovery

Basics of Cancer

• Introduction to cancer biology
• Key cancer types and stages
• Molecular mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression

Cancer Diagnosis and Biomarkers 

• Screening and early detection
• Diagnostic methods (biopsies, imaging)
• Biomarkers and liquid biopsies
• Case studies on cancer diagnosis

Introduction to Drug Discovery 

• Drug discovery process overview
• Medicinal chemists’ role in drug design
• Overview of cancer drug classes, emphasizing targeted therapy

Module 2: Target Identification and Lead Optimization

Target Identification and Validation

• Identifying molecular targets and biomarkers
• Target validation techniques
• The importance of target specificity

Hit Identification and Lead Optimization 

• Overview of high-throughput screening and virtual screening
• Utilizing natural products as lead compounds
• Medicinal chemistry strategies, including structure-based and fragment-based drug design

Drug Design for Specific Cancer Types 

• Designing drugs for specific cancer types (e.g., breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer)
• Emphasize key targets and design strategies for each cancer type

Module 3: Preclinical Development, Clinical Trials, and Emerging Trends

Preclinical and Clinical Development 

• Preclinical testing in vitro and in vivo models
• Introduction to clinical trials and regulatory considerations
• Pharmacy’s role in clinical trials

Case Studies and Emerging Trends 

• Showcase successful drug design stories
• Discuss emerging trends in cancer drug development (e.g., combination therapies, immunotherapies, and nanomedicine)

Personalized Medicine, Resistance, and Future Directions

• Personalized medicine: Genomic and molecular profiling, pharmacogenomics
• Strategies to overcome treatment resistance in cancer
• Breakthroughs in cancer research and future directions
• Career paths in oncology pharmacy

Additional Focus on Immune System Empowerment 

• Introduction to immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy
• Mechanisms through which immunotherapy enhances the immune system’s response to cancer
• Discussion on clinical success and challenges
• Ethical considerations in drug design and development

• Undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, Pharmacology, or related fields.
• Professionals in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.
• Researchers and scientists in oncology or related disciplines.
• Individuals with a keen interest in drug discovery and cancer research.