Developments in Cancer Immunotherapy

Recent breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy are reshaping the treatment landscape, offering hope where traditional methods have fallen short. This pioneering four-week course places you at the cutting-edge of this transformative field – guiding you through both the current landscape of immunotherapy and exploring its exciting potential for the future.

As you progress, you will gain a deep understanding of how cancers evade immune detection, the intricacies of immune responses and the breakthrough therapies that are shaping the future of cancer care. Through a deep dive into key topics such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T cell therapies and novel biologics, you will gain the knowledge you need to navigate this rapidly advancing field.

Each of the four assessed modules focuses on critical aspects of immunotherapy, including the challenges and successes of current treatments, side effects and response monitoring. You will gain an in-depth understanding of both the science behind these therapies and their real-world application across clinical, therapeutic and research contexts.

By the end of the course, you will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of cancer treatment. Whether you are looking to advance your career in biopharma, research or healthcare, this course will empower you to become part of the next generation of innovators in cancer care.

This course covers the key aspects of cancer immunotherapy, beginning with the foundational architecture of the immune system and its role in combating cancer. You’ll explore the stages of cancer development, how immune cells identify and destroy cancer and the strategies tumours use to evade detection. You’ll delve into existing immunotherapies, examining their efficacy, side effects and the impact of the tumour microenvironment and microbiome. You’ll also explore emerging therapies and future developments designed to overcome current challenges in immunotherapy.

• Module 1: The innate and adaptive immune system

• Module 2: Cancer development and the immune system

• Module 3: Cancer immunotherapy

• Module 4: Emerging concepts in cancer immunotherapy

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• articulate the molecular, cellular and anatomic architecture of the innate and adaptive immune system and the basis for self/non-self recognition

• explain the stages of cancer development, their clinical significance, the hallmarks of cancer and the mechanisms of immunosurveillance, editing and escape

• articulate the existing landscape of immunotherapies and describe the side effects of immunotherapy and the monitoring of therapeutic immune responses

• explain emergent barriers to immunotherapy responsiveness and discover areas for future immunotherapy.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge and a digital badge to display on your LinkedIn profile. These Cambridge credentials not only showcase your knowledge and expertise, but also demonstrate your commitment to professional development – helping to future-proof your career.

This course is designed for professionals across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and investment sectors, as well as those with a keen interest in cancer immunology. It is ideal for:

• Research scientists and facilitators in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors looking to deepen their understanding of cancer immunotherapy.

• Programme managers and leaders within these industries who wish to enhance their strategic insight into the development of immunotherapy treatments.

• Investment analysts and programme managers in the venture capital and investment sectors seeking knowledge on the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

• Medical liaison officers in the pharmaceutical industry aiming to strengthen their expertise in immunotherapy for better communication and decision-making.

• Biomedical scientists and students wanting to gain a comprehensive, advanced understanding of cancer immunology and immunotherapy.

• Advertising and communications professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, looking to improve their ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a wider audience.

Our flexible, online courses – delivered via a world-leading learning platform – reflect the University of Cambridge experience and values, with low learner-to-tutor ratios and academically rigorous standards.

Our online learning model is designed to help you advance your skills and specialise in emerging areas that address real-world challenges. We will help you build your network through an engaging and impactful learning journey that encourages collaboration with academics and fellow learners.

Courses are delivered in weekly modules, allowing you to plan your time effectively around existing commitments. The assessment criteria will be presented to you at the start of the course, so you can approach your studies with confidence and motivation, knowing exactly what’s expected of you and how to meet those expectations.

Throughout your online learning experience with Cambridge Advance Online, you’ll have digital access to a dedicated course tutor, an expert in the field, who will help steer your learning and provide you with support and guidance every step of the way.