The Program in Cytogenetic Technology

Course Title

Advanced Cytogenetic Laboratory Techniques

Course Number

CC 4240

Course Schedule

January 3 – April 29, 2022

Catalog Description

A comprehensive study of the cytogenetic analysis of solid tumors. Course includes the study of tumor origin and development, mechanisms of transformation in carcinogenesis, and random versus nonrandom findings in human solid tumors.  The student will also study the mutagenic effects derived from lifestyle and environmental factors as they relate to malignant disease.  This course combines both lecture and laboratory experience into one integrated learning experience.  2 hours

Prerequisites

CC 4120, CC4530

Location/Time               

SHP Classroom Y2.6004 or Zoom for Lectures.

Y6.6067, Y6.6071 for wet lab activities.

Y6.6086/Y3.5712 for microscopic & imaging activities.

Days & time are M-F variable.

In addition, this course requires individual time of 6 hours/week to complete all course requirements.

Semester Hours

Two (lecture and laboratory)

Faculty

Jun Gu, M.D., Ph.D., CG(ASCP)^CM

jungu@mdanderson.org

Office Hours: By email or Zoom meeting.

Ming Zhao, M.D., MS, CG(ASCP)^CM , MB(ASCP)

mzhao@mdanderson.org

Office Hours: By email or Zoom meeting.

Steven Sfamenos, BS, CG(ASCP)^CM (Course Instructor)

smsfamenos@mdanderson.org

Office Hours: By email or Zoom meeting.

Course Approval

Approved:  August 2000-2001

Reviewed:  Dec. 2021

Methods of Instruction

Lecture

Discussion

Laboratory Demonstrations

Laboratory Practical

Cognitive Objectives

At the completion of this course the students must achieve minimum of 75% competency level at:

1.     Compare and contrast benign versus malignant tumors.

2.     Understand the concepts of malignant transformation and multi-step carcinogenesis.

3.     Outline the tools for studying cancer

4.     Describe the biology of tumors of the connective tissue, glandular tissue, blood forming tissues and central and peripheral nervous system.

5.     Understanding mutagen sensitivity and its role in carcinogenesis.

6.     Perform chromatid and chromosome type aberration scoring on challenged PB   specimens.

Affective Objectives

The students shall demonstrate a professional attitude by the following behaviors:

1.     Arrives on time.

2.     Dresses and acts in a professional manner.

3.     Follows the universal precaution practice and wears appropriate personal protective equipment.

4.     Follows fire and chemical safety practice when necessary.

5.     Handles hazardous waste materials and spills properly.

6.     In case of absences, the student is expected to make up work and get notes from another student.

Psychomotor Objectives

At the completion of this course the students will be able to:

1.     Demonstrate skill in an on-line testing environment.

2.     Finish culture setup, harvesting, and chromosome preparation for mutagen sensitivity assay.

3.     Complete a chromosome breakage study using both microscope and the AI/ASI imaging systems.

Grading

Grading consists of:

1.     Chromosome Abnormality Mapping (15%)

2.     ISCN Quizzes (5%)

3.     High Resolution Banding Prep. and Quiz (5%)

4.     Bone Marrow setup and quiz (5%)

5.     Module Post-Tests: (15%)

6.     Exam I (25%)

7.     Exam II (30%)

Assignments

Chromosome Abnormality Mapping: will be given at the beginning of each module class session. Metaphases will be given on Canvas for abnormality identification with ten-minute limit. Mayo Clinic cheat sheet and 2016 ISCN allowed during the quiz. Please write ISCN of the abnormalities with breakpoints within two bands. First mapping of the course will be used as practice. Two mappings from the rest of the course with the lowest scores will be dropped.

Module post-test: Before each lecture, students will have a post-test which cover the content of last module and assigned reading. Typically, each post-test have ten multiple choice or fill-in-blank questions in a close-book format. First post-test of the course will be used as practice. One post-tests from the rest of the course with the lowest scores will be dropped.

Exam Date

Posted on Canvas Schedule

Absences:

The student is expected to make up work and get notes from another student. This class builds from one lesson to the next so absences will definitely make learning much more difficult. Plan ahead!

Minimum Grade

The minimum passing grade for this course is 75 (C).

Policies

All policies for the UTMDACC – School of Health Professions will be followed in this course.  Please refer to your CGT student handbook, the school catalog, SHP handbook. It is strongly suggested that you read the Academic Integrity Policy and the Disciplinary Action policy to become acquainted with SHP requirements in these areas.

Note: If you have problems with online access you must first attempt to resolve with UTMDACC computer help desk (713)794-4636. You should also promptly notify your instructor. Instructors are NOT able to resolve Canvas access issues or course management issues. 

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need other special arrangements, you should meet with me as soon as possible.

Required Text

Cancer Cytogenetics,3rd edition 2009 (ISBN9780470181799)

The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics, 3rd ed., 2013.  Edited by Steven L. Gersen and Martha B. Keagle. ISBN: 978-1-4419-1687-7 ISBN for e-book: 978-1-4419-1688-4

Suggested Texts

The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual, 4th ed, 2017. Marilyn S. Arsham, Margaret J. Barch, Helen J. Lawce (Eds). Published by Wiley Blackwell. ISBN-13: 978-1119061229

https://www.amazon.com/AGT-Cytogenetics-Laboratory-Manual/dp/1119061229

Course Schedule

(All reading materials are on Canvas Course Site)

Pre-Module Reading

History of Cancer Cytogenetics

Terminology & Classification

Review on your own

The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics Section I-1 (page 3-8)

History of Cancer Cytogentics.ppt

History of Cancer Cytogentics.doc

What is Cancer Lecture Recording

On the road to cancer.pdf

Cancer Briefing.doc

Terminology Classification.ppt

Classification Cytogenetic

Module 1

Hematology ISCN

Reading 1

Hematology ISCN Assignment

Hematology ISCN PPT

Module 2

ISCN-Clonal Evolution in Cancer

Reading 2

ISCN PPT

ISCN Assignment PPT

Module 3

Genetic Testing for Epithelial Tumor-Colon, Lung

Reading 3

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 13 (Page 430-434)

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 12 (Page 415-420)

Module PPTs

ALK FISH Lab Demo DVD

Module 4a

Solid Tumor Culture For Cytogenetic Study

Reading 4a

Technical Considerations in Cytogenetics of Solid tumors.ppt

Solid Tumor Culture 2016.PPT

Solid Tumor Cytogenetics Handouts.tif

Solid Tumor Methodology Linda Cooley.tif

Flask Solid Tumor Harvesting Linda Cooley.tif

Interrelationship between Methological Conceptual Models.tif

Module 4b

Bone Marrow Setup

Reading 4b

Bone Marrow Setup.ppt

Module 5a

Chromosome Elongation & Synchronization

Reading 5a

Chromosome Elongation.ppt

Module 5b

Sister Chromatid Exchange

Reading 5b

Sister Chromatid Exchange.ppt

Module 6a

Ionizing Radiation & Its Effects on DNA

Reading 6a

Radiation Damage.ppt

Radiation.doc

Module 6b

Chromosome Breakage Syndromes

Reading 6b

Chromosome Breakage Syndromes.ppt

Chromosome Breakage Syndromes.doc

Module 7

Genetic Testing for Epithelial Tumor-Breast & Bladder Cancer

Reading 7

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 15 (Page 493-505)

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 14 (Page 476-477, 479)

Module PPTs

Module 8a

Genetic Testing for Brain Tumor

Reading 8a

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 19 (Page 597-619)

Molecular Diagnostics in CNS Tumors.pdf

Module 8b

Genetic Testing for Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors

Reading 8b

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 22 (Page 655-674)

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 23 (Page 675-711)

Cytogentic and Molecular Changes in Soft Tissue Sarcomas.pdf

Module 9a

Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancers

Reading 9a

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 17 (Page 560-565)

Module PPTs

Module 9b

Genetic Testing for Epithelial Tumor-Melanoma

Reading 9b

Cancer Cytogenetics Chapter 21 (Page 644-647)

Module PPT