Understanding Cancer Metastasis from Coursera

Over 500,000 people in the United States and over 8 million people worldwide are dying from cancer every year. As people live longer, the incidence of cancer is rising worldwide, and the disease is expected to strike over 20 million people annually by 2030.

Everyone has been, or will be touched by cancer in some way during their lifetime. Thanks to years of dedication and commitment to research we’ve made enormous advances in the prevention and treatment of cancer, But there is still a lot of work to be done.

In this course, physicians and scientists at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine explain how cancer spreads or metastasizes. We’ll describe the major theories of metastasis and then describe the biology behind the steps in metastasis. The course also describes the major organs targeted by metastasis and describes how metastases harm the patient.

What's inside

Syllabus

History and Overview of Metastasis

In this first module, we'll concentrate on the history and overview of metastasis and give you a flavor of how cancer is defined as well as some of the history surrounding how we began to understand metastasis.

Primary Tumor Growth and Neoangiogenesis

In this module, we'll focus on uncontrolled cell division, which is a defining property of cancer, as well as mutation and neoangiogenesis and their roles in tumor formation. We'll also take a look at a primary tumor microenvironment and its component cell types.

EMT / Invasion / Intravasation

During this module, we'll turn our attention to the next steps after the initial primary tumor formation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition of cancer cells, and local tumor invasion and intravasation into blood or lymph vessels.

Survival in the Circulation and Extravasation

We'll now take a close look at cancer survival within the circulation, the role of the circulatory system in metastasis, the genetic determinants of metastatic potential, signalling mechanisms, chemokines, the dock and lock hypothesis, and extravasation.

Dormancy and Secondary Tumor Growth

In this module, we'll focus on dormancy and secondary tumor growth and how they contribute to the lethality of cancer.

Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Metastasis

In the previous modules, we've looked closely at the sequential steps of metastasis and some of the biology of how metastasis occurs. Now, we'll turn our attention to morbidity and mortality, or in other words, how cancer hurts and kills people.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the history, overview, and major theories of metastasis

Explores the biology behind the steps in metastasis

Examines the major organs targeted by metastasis

Describes how metastases harm the patient

Taught by physicians and scientists at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Cancer Metastasis with these activities:

Review Fundamentals of Cell Biology

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Reinforce your understanding of cell biology concepts to build a stronger foundation for this course. It may help deepen your comprehension of metastasis

Browse courses on Cell Division

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Review notes and textbooks from previous cell biology courses
Solve practice problems and answer review questions
Attend a refresher workshop on cell biology

Read 'The Biology of Cancer' by Weinberg

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This comprehensive textbook provides a deep dive into the underlying mechanisms of cancer, including metastasis, and can expand your knowledge beyond the scope of the course.

View The Biology of Cancer, ISE - International... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on metastasis and related topics.
Summarize the key concepts and make notes for future reference.
Discuss the book's insights with classmates or a mentor.

Identify the Steps of Metastasis

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Practicing the identification of the different steps involved in metastasis can enhance comprehension of the underlying mechanisms.

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Utilize online interactive tools or diagrams to trace the steps of metastasis.
Take a multiple-choice quiz on the sequential order of metastatic events.

Three other activities

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Explore Online Tutorials on Metastasis

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Supplement your learning by exploring online tutorials that provide in-depth explanations and visualizations of metastasis.

Browse courses on Metastasis

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Search for reputable online platforms and resources
Identify tutorials that align with your learning goals
Follow the tutorials, take notes, and engage in interactive exercises

Metastasis Discussion Group

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Engaging in discussions with peers provides opportunities to exchange perspectives, clarify concepts, and challenge each other's understanding.

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Join a study group or discussion forum focused on metastasis.
Participate actively in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
Collaborate with group members on projects or presentations related to metastasis.

Solve Practice Questions on Metastatic Mechanisms

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Test and strengthen your understanding of metastatic mechanisms through repetitive practice.

Browse courses on Metastasis

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Gather practice questions from textbooks, online resources, or instructors
Attempt to solve the questions independently
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement
Seek clarification from instructors or peers if needed

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Cancer Metastasis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Oncologist

Oncologists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of cancer. They use their knowledge of cancer biology to develop and implement treatment plans for their patients. This course will provide you with a thorough understanding of cancer metastasis, one of the most important factors in cancer treatment. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Oncologist and improve the outcomes of your patients.

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Computational Biologist

As a Computational Biologist, you will use mathematical, statistical, and computational techniques to improve our understanding of biological processes, including cancer metastasis. This course will give you a strong foundation in the biology of metastasis, providing you with the knowledge you need to develop computational models that can help predict and prevent metastasis. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Computational Biologist and make significant contributions to the fight against cancer.

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Pathologist

Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They use their knowledge of cell and tissue biology to identify and characterize diseases, including cancer. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, providing you with the knowledge you need to make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Pathologist and improve the lives of your patients.

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Cancer Researcher

Cancer Researchers study the causes, development, and treatment of cancer. They use their knowledge of cancer biology to develop new therapies and improve patient outcomes. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of cancer metastasis, one of the most challenging aspects of cancer treatment. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Cancer Researcher and make significant contributions to the fight against cancer.

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Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists use their knowledge of physics to develop and use medical imaging technologies, such as MRI and CT scans. These technologies are used to diagnose and treat cancer, including metastasis. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to develop and use more effective medical imaging techniques. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Medical Physicist and improve the lives of your patients.

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Surgical Oncologist

Surgical Oncologists are medical doctors who specialize in the surgical treatment of cancer. They use their knowledge of cancer biology to remove tumors and prevent metastasis. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, providing you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about surgery and improve patient outcomes. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Surgical Oncologist and improve the lives of your patients.

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Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists use their knowledge of radiation therapy to treat cancer. They use radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to develop and use more effective radiation therapy techniques. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Radiation Therapist and improve the lives of your patients.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers use their knowledge of engineering to develop new medical technologies, such as devices and drugs. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to develop more effective medical technologies. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Biomedical Engineer and improve the lives of your patients.

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Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Research Associates work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to conduct clinical trials. They ensure that clinical trials are conducted safely and ethically, and they collect and analyze data from clinical trials. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to conduct more effective clinical trials. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Clinical Research Associate and improve the quality of cancer research.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use their knowledge of statistics to design and analyze clinical trials and other research studies. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to design and analyze more effective clinical trials. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Biostatistician and improve the quality of cancer research.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers use their knowledge of medicine and writing to create educational materials for patients and healthcare professionals. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to create more effective educational materials. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Medical Writer and improve the quality of cancer care.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers use their knowledge of science to teach students about the world around them. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to create more effective lesson plans and teach your students about one of the most important health issues of our time. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Science Teacher and inspire your students to pursue careers in science and medicine.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists use their knowledge of drugs to ensure that patients receive the right medication at the right dose. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to make more informed decisions about medication use. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Pharmacist and improve the quality of cancer care.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts use their knowledge of public policy to develop and implement policies that improve the health of the population. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to develop and implement more effective health policies. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Health Policy Analyst and improve the lives of your patients.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists use their knowledge of epidemiology to investigate the causes of disease and develop strategies to prevent and control disease. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the biology of cancer metastasis, helping you to investigate the causes of cancer metastasis and develop more effective strategies to prevent and control it. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective Epidemiologist and improve the lives of your patients.

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