Program Objectives:

• Explore the diverse range of viruses implicated in human cancers.
• Analyze the mechanisms by which viruses contribute to cancer development.
• Discuss the current methods for diagnosing and monitoring viral-associated cancers.
• Evaluate the potential of antiviral therapies and vaccines in cancer prevention and treatment.
• Explore the burgeoning field of oncolytic virotherapy and its applications.
• Identify the ethical considerations surrounding the use of viruses in cancer therapy.

What you will learn?

Module 1: Introduction to Viral Oncology
Week 1: Understanding Cancer Viruses

• Overview of the history of viral oncology and its significance.
• Introduction to oncogenic viruses and their role in cancer development.
• Basic concepts of viral oncology, including key terminology and mechanisms.

Week 2: Key Concepts in Virology and Oncology

• Detailed exploration of virus biology and cancer cell interactions.
• Study of how viral mechanisms contribute to cancer cell transformation.
• Examination of fundamental concepts in virology and oncology through interactive diagrams.

Module 2: Major Oncogenic Viruses
Week 3: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer

• Pathogenesis of HPV and its link to cervical cancer development.
• Review of global health impacts and success stories of the HPV vaccine.
• Analysis of screening data to understand trends and effectiveness of HPV prevention strategies.

Week 4: Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Liver Cancer

• Overview of hepatocellular carcinoma and its association with hepatitis B and C viruses.
• Simulation activities on liver cancer progression and viral interaction dynamics.
• Study of hepatitis viruses’ epidemiology and their role in liver cancer.

Week 5: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Associated Cancers

• Examination of EBV and its relationship with lymphomas and other cancers.
• Discussion on current research and developments regarding EBV vaccines.
• Case studies on EBV, focusing on clinical presentations and epidemiology.

Module 3: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies
Week 6: Diagnostic Tools for Viral-Induced Cancers

• Overview of molecular diagnostics used in detecting viral-induced cancers.
• Exploration of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of these cancers.
• Virtual lab activities demonstrating the use of diagnostic tools in clinical settings.

Week 7: Current Treatments and Emerging Therapies

• Study of how antiviral therapies are utilized in cancer treatment.
• Discussion of current and emerging therapeutic approaches in treating viral-induced cancers.
• Design of treatment plans for hypothetical scenarios involving viral oncology.

Module 4: Research Trends and Future Directions
Week 8: New Frontiers in Viral Oncology Research

• Introduction to gene therapy and oncolytic viruses as innovative treatment options.
• Exploration of future trends in viral oncology through an interactive timeline.
• Study of potential innovations in the research and treatment of viral-induced cancers.

Week 9: Global Impact and Epidemiological Studies

• Analysis of the epidemiology of viral cancers worldwide.
• Group projects focused on analyzing epidemiological data related to viral-induced cancers.
• Peer reviews and critiques of group projects, emphasizing data interpretation and presentation skills.