1 Childhood Cancer Overview Flashcards

1
Q

What are the cellular changes that cause DNA mutation –> cancer?

A

Lack of cell differentiation
Loss of contact inhibition
Unregulated growth
Cellular immortality

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2
Q

List 5 genetic predispositions to cancer (fragile chromosomes)

A
  • Down Syndrome
  • Li-Fraumeni
  • Retinoblastoma gene (the inherited form, lacking one pair of tumor suppressor geners making it more likely to develop)
  • Immunodeficiency (immune system plays protective role against cancer, AIDS or imunosuppressive drugs could predispose)
  • History of cancer or cancer tx
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3
Q

Three germ cell layers of a developing embryo

A

Ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm. All body tissues come from these.

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4
Q

Most childhood cancer originates form which germ cell layer? Most adult cancers come from which later?

A

Childhood - ecto and mesoderm. (brain, adrenal, blood, bone, kidney, pleura, etc.)
Adult- endo (tissues most exposed to the environment such as epithelial cells, GI tract, thyroid)

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5
Q

Which childhood cancers are associated with peak growth periods

A

Infancy and early childhood: wilms, retinoblastoma

Adolescence: hodgkins, osteosarcoma

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6
Q

Reasons for improved survival w/ pediatric cancer?

A

high rates of participation with clinical trials, using multimodal therapy and intensive supportive care.

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7
Q

Teenagers: what did the study stay about treating on pediatric trials vs adult trials?

A

64% event free survival vs 34%. Same disease but different eras - adolscnets do better when treated on peds protocols

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