Module: 2
Sponsoring Program: BMS
Administrator: Priscilla Pereira

STUDY LIST INFORMATION
Course Number: BMS 270
Course Name: Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy in the Clinic
Units: 3
Grading Option: S/U
Course Director: James Lee
Co-Director: Nam Woo Cho

MORE COURSE INFORMATION
Dates: April 21, 2025 - May 8, 2025
Campus: Mt. Zion
Location: 2340 Sutter St. Room 3S
Schedule: M/T/TH, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Minimum Class Size: 4
Maximum Class Size: 12

This course provides students with a primer on scientific and translational aspects of immunotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer treatment. Through critical assessment of preclinical and clinical research, we explore the biological mechanisms underlying therapy-induced immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment and distant sites, discuss relevant clinical scenarios and trials, and survey newest developments and directions with regard to combination therapies and novel strategies. Emphasis will be placed on immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T cell therapy, immune-related adverse events, the latest preclinical and clinical research, biomarker and therapy development, and challenges in translating these therapies to the clinic. Students will analyze case studies, evaluate clinical trial data, and discuss cutting-edge advancements in the field, preparing them for research in cancer immunotherapy and radiotherapy.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand Mechanisms of Action – Describe the biological principles underlying checkpoint inhibitors (PD1, CTLA-4, Lag-3), CAR T cell therapy and radiotherapy, including radiation-induced immune modulation.
2. Analyze the Tumor Microenvironment – Evaluate how radiation and immunotherapy interact with the tumor microenvironment to enhance or hinder treatment efficacy.
3. Critically Assess Preclinical and Clinical Research – Interpret and critique key studies in immunotherapy and radiotherapy, including clinical trial design, outcome measures, and biomarker discovery.
4. Explore Synergistic Treatment Approaches – Understand the rationale behind combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy and identify potential therapeutic strategies.
5. Discuss Challenges and Future Directions – Examine translational barriers, immune-related toxicities, and novel approaches to improve patient response and treatment personalization.