Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology (Warsaw)

1. The use of immunotherapy in combination with radical treatment methods

Dr hab.med. Magdalena Knetki-Wroblewska

This program explores the integration of immunotherapy with radical treatment methods—such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy—in the management of various cancers (sarcoma, urological cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer). The aim is to facilitate the aquisition of expertise in optimizing therapeutic strategies that combine immune-based approaches with curative-intent treatments, enhancing patient outcomes while minimizing toxicity.

Key focus areas include:

• Mechanisms of synergy between immunotherapy and radical therapies
• Current clinical evidence and ongoing trials
• Patient selection and timing of combined treatments
• Biomarkers and response monitoring
• Management of immune-related complications
• Practical considerations and case-based discussions

The program is designed for oncology professionals interested in advancing their knowledge and clinical practice in multidisciplinary cancer treatment, with an emphasis on innovation, evidence-based care, and translational

2. The use of targeted molecular therapies in combination with surgical treatment and radical radiotherapy

This program focuses on the integration of targeted molecular therapies with surgical treatment and radical radiotherapy in the management of various cancers. It aims to provide healthcare professionals with in-depth knowledge and practical insights into combining these advanced treatment modalities to optimize patient outcomes.

Key focus areas include:

• Understanding the mechanisms of action of targeted molecular therapies
• Evidence supporting the combination of targeted therapies with surgery and radical radiotherapy
• Patient selection criteria and treatment sequencing
• Potential benefits and challenges of combining therapies
• Monitoring patient response and managing side effects
• Case studies and real-world applications

The program is designed for oncology professionals interested in advancing their knowledge and clinical practice in multidisciplinary cancer treatment, with an emphasis on innovation, evidence-based care, and translational research.

3. Approach to Patients with Oligoprogression using stereotactic radiotherapy

This program focuses on the management of patients with oligoprogression, a condition where limited progression of cancer occurs in a small number of sites despite systemic treatment. It explores the role of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) as a highly precise treatment option aimed at controlling localized disease progression while maintaining the benefits of systemic therapies.

Key areas of focus include:

• Defining oligoprogression and its clinical significance
• Mechanisms and principles of stereotactic radiotherapy
• Selecting appropriate candidates for SRT in the context of oligoprogression
• Integrating SRT with ongoing systemic treatment approaches (e.g., immunotherapy, targeted therapies)
• Clinical evidence supporting the use of SRT for oligoprogression
• Managing treatment-related side effects and patient outcomes
• Case-based discussions and treatment planning

This program is designed for oncologists, radiologists, and medical professionals involved in the treatment of cancer patients, providing advanced insights into the integration of stereotactic radiotherapy with modern systemic therapies to improve patient care and outcomes.

4. Comprehensive Laboratory Training in Molecular and Translational Cancer Research

Prof. Dr hab. Michał Mikula

This intensive 12-week laboratory program offers a comprehensive introduction to the core techniques and analytical methods used in molecular and translational cancer research. Structured across three thematic months, participant will progress from mastering foundation cell culture and nucleic acid techniques to applying advanced methods in genomics, proteomics, and in vivo models.

Participatnt will gain hands-on experience in culturing human cancer cell lines, isolating nucleic acids, performing qPCR, transfection of cancer cells and methylation assays. The course further includes extensive training in protein isolation, mass spectrometry, and Western blotting, as well as molecular cloning and bacterial expression systems.

The final module introduces metabolomics (via GC-MS and Seahorse assays) and practival animal experimentation under FELASA guidelines, providing critical link between molecular methods and translational applications.

By the end of the program, trainees will have acquired a robust technical skill set essential for preclinical cancer research and be well-prepared for academic or industry-based biomedical research roles.