Anatomy
1. Describe the gross and histologic anatomy of the pelvic organs and breast. 2. Describe the vascular, lymphatic, and nerve supply to each of the pelvic organs. 3. Describe the anatomic relationship between the reproductive organs and other viscera, such as bladder, ureters, and bowel. 4. Describe the likely changes in the anatomic relationships of the pelvic and abdominal viscera created by surgical or radiation treatment for malignancy.
Microbiology and immunology
1. Describe the alterations in host immune mechanisms that occur as a result of malignancies of the reproductive tract and breast. 2. Describe the immune changes that occur as a result of treatment of malignancies of the reproductive tract and breast. 3. Describe the immune aberrations that result from malnutrition and cachexia. 4. List the principal consequences of immunosuppression (eg, increased susceptibility to infection and poor wound healing).
Pathology and neoplasia
1. Describe the histology of malignancies of the pelvic organs and breast. 2. Describe the pathogenesis of malignancies of the pelvic organs and breast. 3. Describe the prognosis for the major malignancies of the breast and reproductive organs.
Pharmacology
1. List the major chemotherapeutic agents used for treatment of malignancies of the reproductive organs and breast. 2. Describe the principal adverse effects of the major chemotherapeutic agents. 3. Describe the medications of most value in treatment of complications resulting from chemotherapy and irradiation, such as:
a. Marrow suppression b. Nausea and vomiting c. Hemorrhagic cystitis d. Peripheral neuropathy e. Renal toxicity f. Cardiac toxicity
Physiology
1. Describe the ability of vital organ systems to tolerate cancer therapy and define the concept of the therapeutic index. 2. Describe the changes in cellular physiology that result from injury due to radiation and chemotherapy. 3. Describe the metabolic changes that occur in patients with a malignancy of the pelvic organs or breast.
