The Biology of Cancer

Lecture Videos


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"Socks Before Shoes: How Cells Keep Track of Their Chromosomes"
Dr. Andrew Murray
Professor of Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Director, Center for Genomics Research
Every time a cell divides, it runs the risk of generating daughters with too few or too many chromosomes. These mistakes play a crucial role in many cancers. Dr. Murray will discuss the mechanisms by which cells make sure that their chromosomes are properly lined up on the cell division machinery before the cell divides.
"Subcellular Crisis Prevention: How Cells Detect Damaged Chromosomes"
Dr. Matthew Michael
Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Dr. Michael will discuss the mechanisms and pathways that function to maintain stability of the genome. His lecture will include an overview of research being conducted to understand DNA damage checkpoint control.
"Targeted Therapy for Cancer"
Dr. Harold Burstein
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Clinician and Researcher, Dana Farber Cancer Institute
New cancer treatments are being evaluated that take advantage of a better understanding of the biology of cancer cell growth. Dr. Burstein will focus on "targeted" therapies for cancer and new drugs that are changing our treatment strategies. The use of hormonal therapies, growth factor receptor inhibitors, and angiogenesis inhibitors will be highlighted.
"Molecular Pathogenesis of Breast Cancer"
Dr. Joan Brugge
Professor of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Brugge will discuss the pathogenesis of breast cancer and studies to define the molecular events that control the initiation and progression of breast cancer. In vitro models that mimic the behavior of breast epithelial cells in vivo will be included in the discussion.
"The Host Response to Cancer: Friend or Foe?"
Dr. Glenn Dranoff
Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Clinician and Researcher, Dana Farber Cancer Institute
The immune system plays dual roles during cancer development. Host responses may inhibit tumor development and progression by controlling infection, inflammation, and immunity. Alternatively, cancer cells may subvert the host response to promote growth, attenuate death, and facilitate invasion and metastasis. A more detailed understanding of host/tumor cell interactions provides new opportunities for crafting cancer immunotherapy.

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