Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to further qualify the learner in well-developed skills and ensure that he/she is able to:

Initiate research in the field of Medical Oncology
Write and complete a protocol for research
Converse competently in the area of further research
Demonstrate grantmanship skills
Successfully complete a dissertation based on relevant research

This qualification aims to instill a life-long learning attitude in learners and encourage continual self-development in the field of Medical Oncology.

Outcomes

Have the basic knowledge of ongoing clinical research in the Department of Medical Oncology.
Research and identify any areas in Medical Oncology where an in-depth study would be useful. This would include literature studies and research of the existing data available.
Have the ability to initiate and write a research protocol, which is acceptable by the Ethics Committee.
Perform and manage the relevant research. 5.Complete the research and finalise an acceptable thesis, according to international standards.

Assessment Criteria

Research Proposal: Identifying Novel Therapeutic Targets in Breast Cancer

Introduction

Breast cancer is a prevalent disease worldwide, with varied molecular subtypes that respond differently to current treatments. Identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This research aims to investigate potential targets in breast cancer through a comprehensive analysis of gene expression profiles.

Research Objectives

Conduct a literature review to identify gaps in current research on therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
Analyze gene expression data from patient samples to identify differentially expressed genes associated with treatment response.
Validate candidate genes using in vitro and in vivo models to assess their functional significance.
Perform statistical analysis to determine the correlation between gene expression levels and patient outcomes.

Research Methodology

Literature Review: Utilize databases such as PubMed to identify key studies on therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
Data Collection: Access gene expression data from patient samples in the department's database.
Data Analysis: Use bioinformatics tools to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways.
Experimental Validation: Conduct cell culture experiments and xenograft studies to validate the functional relevance of candidate genes.
Statistical Analysis: Perform correlation analysis and survival analysis to assess the prognostic value of identified targets.

Expected Outcomes

Identification of novel therapeutic targets in breast cancer that may improve treatment strategies.
Validation of candidate genes that could serve as biomarkers for patient stratification.
Contribution to the existing knowledge base on breast cancer research.

Conclusion

This research proposal aims to address the need for novel therapeutic targets in breast cancer by integrating bioinformatics analysis with experimental validation. By leveraging the department's resources and expertise, this study has the potential to make significant contributions to the field of oncology.

Assessment

Portfolios: Documentation of literature review, data analysis, and experimental results.
Work-place assessments: Evaluation of research progress and adherence to protocols.
Oral examinations: Presentation of research findings and conclusions.
Other: Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and adherence to ethical guidelines.

Duration

A minimum of 1 year will be spent in the Department of Medical Oncology to conduct this research, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis.

This proposal demonstrates a holistic understanding of research in medical oncology, from literature review to experimental validation, and outlines a feasible and relevant research study that could advance our understanding of breast cancer treatment.

Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Oncology