PC4102:03
Oncology, Haematology and Toxicology for Pharmacists
| Townsville | HECS Band 2 |
36 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials, 12 hours practicals, 12 hours workshops. Semester 1.
Available to level 4 Bachelor of Pharmacy students.
Staff: Professor P Summers, Assoc. Professor B Bowden, Assoc. Professor G Meehan, Assoc. Professor B Glass, Dr G Grant and invited lecturers.
In this subject the students will learn the principles behind malignant diseases and their effects on the human body. They will develop an understanding of the principles of local control and the use of drug therapy for systemic dissemination of the cancer. As cytotoxic therapies are not specific for malignant cells, the subject will introduce how such therapy can have major effects on all cells of the patient. The students will learn that any proliferating cell can be affected by this therapy and will develop an understanding of tumour biology and aetiology so that they are able to understand the principles of cancer prevention and treatment. The differences between solid and blood borne malignancies will be discussed, along with their treatment. The students will be taught the chemotherapeutic dosing strategies that must be applied to maximise the outcome of such treatment.
The manufacturing principles that are unique to cytotoxic drug preparation and the aspects of its administration will also be discussed.
The social aspects of the treatment of malignant diseases will be discussed, so as to expose the student to the effect that these diseases have on the family and community alike. These effects are especially important in small communities.
Toxicology, the science of adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms, will be discussed. An understanding of the principles of toxicology and how these can be applied to the determination of toxic or safe vs risk or hazard will be examined. These categories are especially relevant to rural communities where students need to develop an understanding of the differences between acute and chronic exposure to a toxic substance eg herbicides. The outcomes of toxic reactions will be discussed, along with the treatment of such episodes. Students will be taught the treatment of overdose (intentional or unintentional) and develop an understanding of the effects that such poisoning has on the community.
Learning Objectives:
- acquire an understanding of the principles behind the development of malignant diseases, including solid and haematological cancers; local control and the use of drug, surgery and radiation therapy for treatment;
- develop an understanding of tumour biology and aetiology;
- ability to manufacture cytotoxic preparations and provide advice as to their safe administration and use;
- describe the basis of cancer prevention and early detection of malignant diseases;
- develop an understanding of the principles behind toxicology; the categorisation of toxic or safe vs risk or hazard; and the treatment of acute or chronic poisoning with a special focus on rural and remote communities.
Assessment by a two-hour examination (60%); Objective Subjective Clinical Examination (OSCE) (30%); workshop attendance and assignment (10%). The OSCE will consist of three workstations (10 minutes each) each assessed by two examiners and two panels (15 minutes each) assessed by at least two examiners. All students will be questioned by each of the panels. This examination will cover all components of the Pharmacy course. A satisfactory performance in all aspects of the subject is required. This is defined as at least 50% for all sections. Attendance at workshops is compulsory.