2026 Core Cancer Class
Section outline
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Instructor: Inês Godet, PhD (godeti@mskcc.org).
Grading policy: Non-graded class; scholars will be evaluated to receive feedback.
Duration: 5 in-person sessions plus recorded lectures; 1 oral presentation; 1 workshop.
Audience: Post-Bac Scholars.
Course Topics and Learning Objectives
The Cancer Biology course will introduce post-bac scholars to fundamental concepts in cancer biology, with an emphasis on understanding cancer both as a biological problem and as a human disease. In addition to exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive cancer, the course will examine the historical discoveries that shaped the field and the clinical significance of these discoveries for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Leveraging the research and clinical expertise at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), the course will combine recorded lectures with five interactive in-person sessions focused on discussion, critical thinking, and the analysis of cancer research.
This course will:
• Build a strong foundation in the major principles of cancer biology and apply these principles to the interpretation of cancer research.
• Introduce landmark discoveries and experiments that shaped our current understanding of cancer.
• Connect fundamental cancer biology to clinical observations, therapeutic strategies, and challenges encountered in treating patients with cancer.
• Introduce experimental approaches and techniques used in basic and translational cancer research.
• Develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and experimental design.
• Strengthen the ability to formulate scientific questions and develop a research project.
Scientific Topics Covered in the Recorded Lectures
• Cancer as a disease
• Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
• Computational biology and oncology
• Cancer signaling
• Cancer metabolism
• Metastasis
• Tumor modeling and heterogeneity
• Cancer types and microenvironments
Across these topics, emphasis will be placed on landmark discoveries that shaped our understanding of cancer and on how fundamental biological insights have influenced cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Course Structure
• Recorded lectures covering foundational concepts in cancer biology
• Five interactive in-person sessions
• Take-home group project
Classes
• Introduction to Cancer Biology
Session 1 – 8/26/26
Overview of cancer biology as a research field and cancer as a human disease, including its historical context, fundamental biological principles, and major challenges in cancer research and clinical care.
• Guided Paper Discussions:
Session 2 – 9/2/26
Session 3 – 9/9/26
Session 4 – 9/9/23
Session 5 – 9/9/30
Critical discussion of primary research articles, with emphasis on key concepts in cancer biology, experimental design, interpretation of results, and clinical significance.
• Research Project Workshop
Session 6 – TBA (January tentatively)
Interactive session where students will work in small groups on the experimental design, data interpretation, and formulation of conclusions for a research project.
Take-Home Group Project
Scholars will work in groups to develop a research project addressing a question in cancer biology. The activity will include an initial submission, feedback, and a final oral presentation.
First submission – 10/16/26
Second submission – 11/13/26
Final Oral presentation – TBA (November tentatively)
Evaluation
1. Take-Home Group Project (50%): Evaluation will consider the scientific rationale, formulation of the research question, experimental design, critical thinking and interpretation, and clarity of the final presentation.
2. Class Participation and Attendance (30%): All scholars are expected to attend all sessions and actively participate in discussions. A scholar must notify the instructor and program team by email prior to class if they will be absent.
3. Performance in Research Project Workshop (20%): All scholars are expected to attend the Research Project Workshop and despite working in groups, each person will be expected to present and discuss the rationale of the group’s decisions.
Recommended Textbook
The Biology of Cancer, Third Edition, Robert A. Weinberg, W. W. Norton & Company, Third Edition (July 1, 2023). ISBN-10: 0393887650. ISBN-13: 978-0393887655.
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Session 1 – 8/26/26
Overview of cancer biology as a research field and cancer as a human disease, including its historical context, fundamental biological principles, and major challenges in cancer research and clinical care.
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Session 2 – 9/2/26 – Cancer Initiation
Question: What makes a cell cancerous?
Topics covered in class:
o Cancer as a disease;
o Cancer Hallmarks;
o Oncogenes vs Tumor suppressor genes;
o Initiation vs progression;
o Diagnosis and therapies.
Paper to discuss:
Chan et al., Nature (2024) — Titration of RAS alters senescent state and influences tumour initiation
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Session 3 – 9/9/26 – Tumor Evolution & Plasticity
Question: Why aren’t cancer cells the same?
Topics covered in class:
o Clonal evolution;
o Cancer heterogeneity;
o Genetic vs non-genetic mechanisms;
o Cell states & Plasticity;
o Selection;
o Therapies as selective pressure;
Paper to discuss:
Chan et al., Nature (2026) — Critical role for a high-plasticity cell state in lung cancer.
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Students mustMark as done
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Session 4 – 9/23/26 – Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis
Question: What determines the fate of a tumor cell?
Topics covered in class:
o Metastatic cascade;
o Seed & soil;
o Metastasis initiating cells;
o Metastatic niche;
o Immune surveillance;
o Dormancy & Reawakening;
o Late recurrence;
o Organotropism.
Paper to discuss: Chia et al., Nature (2025) — Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs.
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Students mustMark as done
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Session 5 – 9/30/26 – Precision Oncology
Question: How do we turn cancer biology into treatment?
Topics covered in class:
o Actionable oncogenic drivers;
o Biomarkers;
o Traditional therapies;
o Targeted therapies;
o Immuno-therapies;
o Response & Acquired Resistance;
o Limitations of precision oncology;
Paper to discuss:
Cercek et al., NEJM (2025) — Nonoperative Management of Mismatch Repair–Deficient Tumors
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Lectures to be viewed on your own time.
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Session 6 – 1/6/27 (tentatively)
Interactive session where students will work in small groups on the experimental design, data interpretation, and formulation of conclusions for a research project.
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Design Your Own Cancer Research Project
Your challenge
Working in small groups, identify an unanswered biological question in cancer research and develop a research proposal to address it. The activity will include an initial submission, feedback, and a final oral presentation.
First submission – 10/16/26
Second submission – 11/13/26
Final Oral presentation – TBA (November tentatively)
Written Research Proposal (Max. 3 pages)
• Abstract: What are you proposing and why?• Background & Significance: What do we know? What don't we know? Why does it matter?• Central Question & Hypothesis• 2 to 3 Specific Aims• Experimental Approach:- Experimental design- Models and key methods- Appropriate controls- Expected results & interpretation• Potential Problems & Alternative Approaches• Impact & Future DirectionsReferences (not included in 3-page limit)
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