Clinical Research in Oncology

Subject CLRS90020 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Please refer to www.mccp.unimelb.edu.au for delivery details

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 48 hours of lectures/seminars/workshops
Total Time Commitment: In addition to face-to-face teaching time of 48 hours, students should expect to undertake a minimum of 160 hours research, reading, writing and general study to complete this subject successfully.
Prerequisites: nil
Corequisites: nil
Recommended Background Knowledge: nil
Non Allowed Subjects: nil
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs

Level 3, 442 Auburn Rd

Hawthorn VIC 3122

Phone: 9810 3300

Email: mccp.enquiries@mccp.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Topics covered include:
 A global overview of the burden of cancer / a public health perspective on cancer control
 Career opportunities incorporating clinical research
 Australian perspectives in cancer clinical research
 Types of research in clinical oncology, including phase I, II and III drug trials, studies evaluating biological agents (incl vaccines), chemotherapy, radiation, combined chemoradiation, surgical and supportive care studies
 Endpoints in oncology clinical trials – including overall survival, progression-free survival, response rate, quality of life benefit, clinical benefit, utility analysis (and economic evaluations), proof of efficacy (lab / surrogate endpoints)
 Imaging modalities in oncology, including functional imaging
 The process of new drug development, approval and marketing – how this may differ from other settings
 Issues in clinical trial design for phase I, phase II and phase III studies – how this may differ from other settings
 Cancer prevention studies
 Cancer detection – screening and early detection
 The concept outline / protocol development
 Practical aspects involved in the conduct of clinical trials, including the development of case report forms, ethics submission, regulatory issues, start-up and ongoing maintenance of the study
 Ethics and informed consent – aspects requiring special attention in oncology and palliative care studies
 From data to publication / the CONSORT statement (consolidated standards of reporting trials) on reporting of research data
    Objectives:
    Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
    Understand the breadth of opportunity for clinical research in oncology
    Be familiar with all types of research design conducted within oncology clinical research
    Understand the various outcomes assessed by oncology clinical trials, including how and why these might differ from other disciplines
    Be familiar with surrogate endpoints, derived from laboratory and functional imaging studies
    Be familiar with ethical and legal considerations relevant to clinical research in oncology
    Understand all aspects of the concept outline / protocol development
    Understand the process and requirements for successful conduct of clinical research in oncology
    Critically appraise research presentations and publications in oncology research
    Assessment:

    Three 2,000 word assignments worth 20% each. One two hour examination worth 40%.
    Prescribed Texts: nil
    Recommended Texts: Students will be provided with articles and references that support the teaching program as part of their course materials
    Breadth Options:

    This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
    Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
    Generic Skills:

    Please refer to MCCP website.
    Links to further information: http://www.mccp.unimelb.edu.au/subjects/clinical-research-in-oncology
    Related Course(s): Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research
    Specialist Certificate in Clinical Research (Oncology)

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