«The Role of DNA Viruses in Carcinogenesis».

Malignant tumors differ from normal cells in their ability to proliferate uncontrollably, evade cell death, and disrupt regulatory mechanisms governing cellular function. This lecture addresses the question of whether microorganisms can contribute to the development of cancer. The audience will be introduced to the history of the discovery of oncogenic viruses, including the pioneering work of Wilhelm Ellermann, Oluf Bang, and Peyton Rous, who demonstrated that viruses are capable of initiating tumor formation in animals. Particular attention will be devoted to tumorigenic DNA viruses that are directly involved in malignant cellular transformation, especially through mechanisms involving the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes that regulate proliferative activity. Classical examples of such viruses will be discussed, including the Lucké tumor virus in frogs, Marek’s disease herpesvirus in poultry, simian virus 40 (SV40), and adenoviruses, as well as their role in the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The oncogenic potential of human herpesviruses will also be addressed separately. The lecture further highlights vaccination as an effective tool for the prevention of virus-associated cancers. Using human papillomavirus (HPV) as an example, it will be demonstrated how immunoprophylaxis can significantly reduce the incidence of oncological diseases.

Elena Kashuba

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Transformation
R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Cell Culture in Experimental Oncology.

Cell culture models are among the key experimental systems used to investigate the molecular-genetic and cellular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The development and application of cell cultures have made it possible to study the effects of antitumor agents of various origins, ranging from conventional chemotherapeutic drugs to modern targeted and biological therapies. This lecture will focus on the fundamental principles of cell cultivation and contemporary methods of cellular analysis, illustrated by examples of leukemia and prostate cancer cell lines.

Svitlana Antonenko

PhD, Senior Researcher,
Department of Molecular Genetics
Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Mechanisms of Cell Movement and Methods of Their Investigation.

Cell migration is one of the fundamental biological processes underlying embryonic development, wound healing, immune responses, and tumor metastasis. Studying the mechanisms of cell movement provides insight into how alterations in the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and signaling pathways determine cellular behavior under both physiological and pathological conditions. The lecture will address how cells migrate, why this process is essential, and how and why it is studied in experimental research.

Anastasiia Hubiernatorova

PhD, Laboratory of Tissue Morphogenesis and Cancer
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences

The Concept of the Three “C”s: Current Perspectives and Future Directions in Immunotherapy.

The emergence and progression of malignant neoplasms are determined by the complexity of interactions between the tumor and the host organism. The immune system plays a key role in these processes, ensuring antigenic homeostasis of the body. However, in many cases, malignant progression is accompanied by significant immunosuppression, which hinders an effective antitumor response and the elimination of neoplastic cells. The data accumulated over the past decades regarding the mechanisms by which tumors evade immune surveillance have been systematized and integrated into the concept of the “Three Cs“: “Camouflage,” “Coercion,” and “Cytoprotection.”

Taras Zadvornyi

PhD, Senior Researcher,
Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular Biological Markers of Tumor Growth,
R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology, and Radiobiology,
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Tumor-Associated Macrophages as a Target for Antitumor Therapy

The metabolic plasticity of macrophages was discovered more than 20 years ago specifically in the context of their involvement in the tumor process. Since then, the concept of functional polarization of macrophages has undergone significant changes due to the expanded understanding of their origin, biological properties, and roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. The lecture examines the origin and functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), analyzes the main therapeutic approaches targeting TAMs in cancer treatment, and outlines the prospects of using TAMs in adoptive immunotherapy of oncological diseases.

Larysa Skivka

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor,
Head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
ESC «Institute of Biology and Medicine», Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

From Sample to Conclusion: The Path of Histological Examination

Key stages of histological examination, from the collection of biological material to the formation of a pathological-histological diagnosis. You will learn about the processes of fixation, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and the microscopic analysis of histological samples. The lecture will highlight the role of histology in disease diagnosis, important nuances at each stage of practical research, and the significance of histopathology in modern medicine and its contribution to patient treatment.

Dmytro Voronin

PhD Student, Department of Tumor Process Monitoring and Therapy Design
R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology, and Radiobiology,
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Pathologist

Cytochemical Methods in the Diagnosis and Study of Oncogenesis

The aim of this review presentation is to explore the modern capabilities and limitations of cytochemical methods in the classification and differential diagnosis of certain tumor diseases, as well as in experimental studies of the biochemical/metabolic atypia of tumor cells.

Ostrovska Galyna

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor
Department of Cytology, Histology, and Reproductive Medicine
ESC «Institute of Biology and Medicine»
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Malignant Neoplasms: Modern Perspectives

This lecture focuses on one of the most pressing issues in oncology—the development of a drug-resistant phenotype in malignant transformed cells. We will examine various mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, including changes in the expression of genes encoding transport proteins, detoxification enzymes, and other key molecules. Additionally, we will discuss the latest approaches aimed at overcoming resistance and enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Tetiana Borikun

PhD in Biological Sciences
Research Fellow
Department of Tumor Process Monitoring and Therapy Design
R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology, and Radiobiology
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Resistance in Clinical Oncology Practice: Modern Challenges and Innovative Approaches

Therapeutic resistance is one of the key challenges in modern oncology, significantly affecting treatment efficacy and disease prognosis. The issues of primary and acquired resistance are reshaping treatment strategies, emphasizing the use of targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination treatment regimens to prevent disease progression. A crucial aspect in overcoming resistance is personalized medicine, which focuses on optimizing treatment strategies based on the molecular profile of tumors.

Olena Martyniuk

Clinical Oncologist
Scientific and Clinical Department of Breast Tumors and Reconstructive Surgery
National Cancer Institute, Kyiv, Ukraine