Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology: The Genetic Basis of Cancer and its Treatment
- HMX
Understand the links between genetics and cancer, and how genomics knowledge is advancing precision cancer treatments.
- Online; Instructor-Paced
Lessons are released weekly and remain available until the course ends.
$1,025
Enroll early to receive 10% off. Multi-course bundle pricing is also available.
Early Registration Deadline:
Certificate
There are two certification levels, based on participant scores: Certificate of Achievement; Certificate of Completion
10 Weeks, 1-2 Hours/Week
Most people can expect to spend around 15–20 hours total, but this depends on your baseline knowledge and how carefully you take notes.
On This Page
Overview
Growing knowledge of human genetics is changing the way physicians and researchers approach diagnosis of cancer risk as well as treatment of various types of cancer. Understanding the vital role that genetic information has begun to play in the field of oncology is essential for anyone whose work intersects with cancer.
Build your understanding of the principles of the genetic basis of cancer and its treatment with this advanced HMX course. During this online course, you will examine the types of inherited and somatic genetic variants that can accumulate in cells over the course of our lifetime. Discover a step-by-step explanation of the important cell signaling pathways that can lead to oncogenesis, highlighting key molecular players that are often targets for new cancer therapeutics. You will also gain an in-depth view of the cutting-edge tumor sequencing approaches used in oncology to inform more effective treatment strategies and propel the development of precision therapeutics and addresses the treatment challenges posed by tumor drug resistance.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the links between genetics and cancer
- Get an inside look at tumor sequencing approaches and analysis
- Learn how genomics knowledge is advancing precision cancer treatments
About the Course
HMX online courses bring complex material to life through engaging biomedical visualizations, clinical applications, and true-to-life scenarios paired with lectures from Harvard Medical School faculty and leading experts.
Who Should Apply
This advanced course is appropriate for clinicians and health care professionals; biomedical researchers; and professionals in health care and related fields whose work intersects with cancer research and treatment – including those working in R&D, product management, strategy, sales, marketing, and other roles.
Course Format
Most people can expect to spend around 15–20 hours total, but this depends on your baseline knowledge, how carefully you take notes, and how seriously you take the assessments. Lessons from the courses are released toward the beginning of the course session and remain available until the courses end, so you can work at your own pace. There is a final exam at the end of each course that can be taken at any time during the multi-week final exam period. The flexible course format makes this an ideal choice for working professionals.
Group Enrollments
HMX courses are ideal for organizations looking to train teams or larger groups. Group pricing is available, making it a cost-effective investment in team development.
Faculty
HMX courses are led by Harvard Medical School faculty, working in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team of experts in biomedical visualization, assessment, and the science of learning to create a unique learning experience that will stay with you.
- Lecturer in Genetics, Harvard Medical School (former)

Marios Giannakis
MD, PhD
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
- Medical Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Robert Green
MD, MPH
- Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
- Associate Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Geneticist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Director, Genomes2People Research Program, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Carrie Blout Zawatsky
MS, CGC
- Genetic Counselor, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
George Demetri, MD, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Medical Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
William Hahn, MD, PhD, William Rosenberg Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Medical Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
William Kaelin, MD, Sidney Farber Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Tali Mazor, PhD, Computational Biologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Matthew Meyerson, MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Medical Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Jonathan Nowak, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School / Molecular Pathologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Huma Rana, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School / Medical Geneticist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Alice Shaw, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School / Thoracic Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
Lynette Sholl, MD, Associate Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School / Pathologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Course Quiz
Are you ready for an advanced course? We recommend knowledge of basic chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as knowledge of key genetics concepts. Gauge your knowledge of genetics by taking this short quiz.
From Our Learners
Hear from HMX students as they share their experiences learning online with Harvard Medical School.
“[This course] provides the perfect connection between the molecular basis of cancer and its clinical relevance in our daily practice.”
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