SCI 102 — Cancer Biology: Recent Developments in Research and Treatment
Quarter: Summer
Instructor(s): David Armenta
Date(s): Jun 24—Aug 12
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Mondays
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 7:00—8:50 pm (PT)
Tuition: $465
Refund Deadline: Jun 26
Unit(s): 1
Enrollment Limit: 50
Status: Registration opens May 20, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Summer
Day: Mondays
Duration: 8 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:50 pm (PT)
Date(s): Jun 24—Aug 12
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $465
Refund Deadline: Jun 26
Instructor(s): David Armenta
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Enrollment Limit: 50
Recording Available: Yes
Status: Registration opens May 20, 8:30 am (PT)
Cancer is a ubiquitous global challenge—most families will be affected by it at some point in their lives. However, recent advancements in cancer treatment and prevention offer hope. In this course, we will delve into the fascinating world of cancer biology to explore groundbreaking research and treatment options. Diving deep into the inner workings of cancer cells, we will discover the potential of revolutionary treatments such as CAR T immunotherapy, a cutting-edge technique that genetically modifies a patient's own immune cells so that they recognize and attack cancer cells. We'll also explore the crucial role of the cellular environment around tumors and learn how targeting this microenvironment can improve the effectiveness of existing therapies. We'll examine the unique nutrient requirements of cancer cells and how this knowledge can be used to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. And we’ll discuss the power of biomarkers in developing tailored therapies that can significantly improve cancer patients’ quality of life. Class sessions will include lectures, interactive discussions, and guest speakers who are experts in cancer research. By the end of this course, students will have gained a solid understanding of cell biology, how cancer operates, and how—through scientific advances—it might eventually be stopped.
This course requires no specific background in biology and is intended for people interested in understanding areas of cell biology research that may inform the development of future cancer therapies. Guest speakers include Monte Winslow, associate professor of genetics and of pathology at Stanford, and Liora Schultz, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Hematology & Oncology at Stanford.
DAVID ARMENTA
COLLEGE Lecturer, Civic, Liberal, and Global Education Program, Stanford
David Armenta received a PhD in biology with a focus on cells, molecules, and organisms from Stanford, working with Scott Dixon to study how amino acid metabolism regulates sensitivity of cancer cells to the non-apoptotic cell death mechanism of ferroptosis. His work has been published in Cell Chemical Biology. Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.