AbdalfttahAcademy

Introduction to Cancer Biology

Welcome to the Introduction to Cancer Biology

This course is structured to give participants a deep understanding of cancer biology, exploring everything from fundamental principles to advanced research topics. Each week, we will cover different aspects of cancer biology, from cellular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies.

Course Structure

Preparation Phase (Daily for 30 Days)

  • Independent study to build foundational knowledge.

  • Focus areas:

  • - DNA Structure

  • - DNA Replication

  • - RNA Transcription

  • - RNA Translation

Weekly Sessions

  • - Lecture (3 hours): Covers core concepts in depth.

  • - Tutorial (2 hours): Focuses on advanced discussions and clarifications.

  • - One-to-One Meeting (1 hour, optional): Personalised guidance available upon request.

Final Task: Article Presentation

  • Each participant will present a research or review article.

  • The goal is to develop the skill of reading and learning from primary scientific literature after building a strong foundation.

  • Presentations will help reinforce concepts and foster scientific communication skills.

Don't Have a Background in Molecular Biology?

No worries! We've got you covered.

  • For those who need a foundation in molecular biology, we offer a 4-weeks preparatory program to help you get up to speed before diving into cancer biology. This program is FREE, with no additional charges.

  • In this program, you'll follow along with Mohmed Abdalfttah's YouTube playlist covering essential topics:

  • - DNA Structure and Analysis

  • - DNA Replication

  • - DNA Transcription

  • - RNA Translation

  • We'll provide:

  • - 👥 Group study

  • - 📝 Structured tasks

  • - đź’¬ One-to-one support

  • This preparatory phase is designed to build your confidence and equip you with the knowledge needed to fully engage with the main cancer biology course.

  • If you need this preparation, join us in this learning journey and become well-prepared for the next step in understanding cancer biology!

Course Content

    • What is Cancer?

    • Basic Cell Biology of Cancer Development

    • Basics of Cell Biology and the Cell Cycle

    • Overview of the Cell Cycle and Its Regulation

    • How Uncontrolled Cell Cycle Leads to Cancer

    • Differences Between Normal Cells and Cancer Cells

    • Understanding cancer prevalence, incidence, and survival rates

    • Key trends in cancer statistics by type and region

    • Origin of Tumors from Normal Tissues

    • Tumors Originate from Various Specialized Cell Types

    • Major Types of Cancer

    • Classification of Tumors: Benign vs. Malignant

    • Histopathology and Architecture of Tumors

    • Epithelial Origin of Carcinomas

    • Carcinomas and Epithelial Tissue Structure

    • Other Tumor Types: Sarcomas, Hematopoietic, and Neuroectodermal Tumors

    • Variability in Cancer Frequency Across Populations

    • Global Variability in Cancer Incidence

    • General Causes of Cancer

    • Cancer Risk and Lifestyle Factors

    • Historical Evidence of Cancer Associations

    • Discovery of Radiation Effects

    • Smoking and Cancer

    • Coal Tar and Skin Cancer

    • Viruses as Cancer Agents

    • The Role of Genetics in Cancer

    • Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis

    • The Role of Tumor Viruses in Cancer Research

    • Early Hypotheses on Tumor Viruses

    • Challenges to the Viral Theory of Cancer

    • The Retrovirus Hypothesis and Cancer

    • Human Cancer and Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs)

    • Why the Tumor Virus Hypothesis Failed

    • Oncogenes: Drivers of Uncontrolled Growth

    • Tumor Suppressor Genes: The Guardians Against Cancer

    • Normal Cells

    • Hyperplasia

    • Dysplasia

    • Carcinoma in Situ

    • Invasive Carcinoma

    • Cancer Requires Multiple Mutations

    • Single Mutation Initiation

    • Accumulation of Chromosomal Alterations

    • High Chromosomal Instability

    • Gene Mutations

    • Somatic Mutations

    • Germline Mutations

    • Two-Hit Hypothesis

    • Types of DNA damage and common causes

    • Mechanisms cells use to repair damaged DNA

    • Sustaining Proliferative Signaling

    • Evading Growth Suppressors

    • Resisting Cell Death

    • Tumor-Promoting Inflammation

    • Enabling Replicative Immortality

    • Senescent Cells

    • Deregulating Cellular Metabolism

    • Avoiding Immune Destruction

    • Inducing or Accessing Vasculature

    • Activating Invasion & Metastasis

    • Unlocking Phenotypic Plasticity

    • Genome Instability & Mutation

    • Nonmutational Epigenetic Reprogramming

    • Polymorphic Microbiomes

    • The Tumor Is Not Only Cancer Cells

    • Overview of the Tumor Microenvironment (TME)

    • Macrophages in the TME

    • Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs)

    • T Cells in the TME

    • Natural Killer (NK) Cells

    • Endothelial Cells and Blood Vessels

    • Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in the TME

    • Secreted Molecules (Cytokines, Chemokines, Growth Factors)

    • Research Papers and Case Examples

    • What is Metastasis?

    • Primary Tumors vs. Metastases

    • The Danger of Metastasis

    • Local Invasion

    • Loss of Cell Adhesion

    • Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

    • Degradation of Extracellular Matrix

    • Intravasation

    • Circulatory Survival

    • Platelet Cloaking

    • Immune Evasion

    • Arrest at Distant Site

    • Extravasation

    • Survival in New Microenvironment

    • Dormancy or Micrometastasis Formation

    • Reactivation and Proliferation

    • Angiogenesis

    • Colonization and Organ-Specific Growth

    • Surgery & Radiation

      • - External Beam Radiation Therapy

    • Hormonal Therapy

      • Anti-Estrogen Agents (Breast Cancer)

      • Anti-Testosterone Agents (Prostate Cancer)

    • Chemotherapy

      • DNA Replication Inhibitors

      • Anti-Metabolites: 5-FU, Capecitabine, Gemcitabine

      • Topoisomerase Inhibitors: Etoposide, Irinotecan

      • DNA Intercalators: Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin

    • Cell Division Inhibitors

      • Vinca Alkaloids: Vincristine, Vinorelbine

      • Taxanes: Paclitaxel, Docetaxel

    • Targeted Therapy

      • VEGF Inhibitors: Bevacizumab

      • EGFR Inhibitors: Tarceva

      • HER2 Inhibitors: Trastuzumab (Herceptin)

      • PARPi Inhibitors: Olaparib`

    • Immunotherapy

      • PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors: Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab

      • CTLA-4 Inhibitors: Ipilimumab (Yervoy)

Who Should Enroll?

  • This course is open to anyone interested in cancer biology, especially:

  • - Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Ideal for those studying biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or related fields.

  • - Early Career Researchers: Suitable for researchers new to cancer biology or those transitioning into this field.

  • - Enthusiastic Learners: Anyone with a passion for understanding the complexities of cancer at the cellular level.

  • No prior experience in cancer research is required, though a basic understanding of Molecular Biology will be helpful!

Instuctor Mohmed Abdalfttah Picture

Mohmed Abdalfttah

Instructor

PhD Candidate

Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid
National Cancer Research Center (CNIO)
Introduction to Cancer Biology
  • July 2025
  • Online
  • 12 weeks
  • 2000 EGP

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Testimonials

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Ahmed testimonial

A Huge Thank You to Mohmed! Taking the RNA-seq course with Mohmed was an incredible experience! His way of teaching made complex concepts easy to grasp, and the knowledge I gained has been truly transformative. Thanks to his guidance, I’m now on the verge of publishing a research paper in this field!

Ahmed

China
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Refan testimonial

My experience with Dr. Mohmed was truly exceptional and unlike any other courses I’ve taken before. His dedication to ensuring that you genuinely understand the concepts, along with his smooth and engaging teaching style, makes learning effortless and enjoyable. You never feel overwhelmed—on the contrary, every session is an opportunity to explore, expand your knowledge, and be amazed by the rapid advancements in science. His approach encourages curiosity, pushing you to seek more and constantly evolve. I’m beyond grateful for the time I spent learning with him! ❤️

Refan

Saudi Arabia
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Rania testimonial

Mohamed is an exceptional bioinformatics and genetic data analysis expert with a structured and intuitive teaching approach. His dedication to education, despite his own academic commitments, sets him apart as a passionate and supportive mentor. He simplifies complex concepts, fosters deep understanding, and creates an inspiring learning environment. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to knowledge-sharing make him an outstanding educator.

Rania

USA

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