2024 Flashcards
(144 cards)
What are PARP inhibitors?
PARP inhibitors are targeted therapies that interfere with the function of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases (PARPs), enzymes involved in DNA repair.
How do PARP inhibitors work?
By blocking PARP enzymes, PARP inhibitors prevent cancer cells from repairing DNA damage, leading to cell death, especially in cells deficient in homologous recombination (HR).
What is synthetic lethality?
Synthetic lethality refers to the selective toxicity of PARP inhibitors in cancer cells that have lost or are deficient in another DNA repair pathway.
What types of cancers are treated with PARP inhibitors?
PARP inhibitors are used to treat various cancers, including ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer.
What is the mechanism of action of PARP inhibitors?
PARP inhibitors block the function of PARP, preventing DNA repair and leading to the accumulation of DNA damage, which can cause cell death.
What are some examples of PARP inhibitors?
Examples of PARP inhibitors include Olaparib, rucaparib, and niraparib.
What are potential side effects of PARP inhibitors?
Potential side effects include increased risk of infection, fatigue, nausea, and other side effects.
What are RAS mutations?
RAS mutations are changes in the RAS genes that lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
How common are RAS mutations in cancer?
RAS mutations are among the most frequently mutated genes in human cancers, affecting about 30% of all tumor types.
What effect do RAS mutations have on cell growth?
Mutations in RAS genes lead to RAS proteins that are constantly active, promoting cell growth and division even without normal growth signals.
How do RAS mutations affect cancer therapy?
RAS mutations can make cancer cells resistant to some cancer therapies.
Are there therapies targeting RAS mutations?
Recent research has led to the development of therapies that target RAS mutations, with some already approved by the FDA.
How are RAS mutations detected?
RAS mutations are typically detected through next-generation sequencing of biopsy samples or liquid biopsies.
What are the main isoforms of the RAS family?
The RAS family consists of three main isoforms: KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS, with KRAS being the most commonly mutated.
Where do RAS mutations commonly occur?
Mutations in RAS genes often occur at specific locations, such as codons 12, 13, and 61, within the RAS protein.
What pathways are affected by RAS mutations?
RAS mutations can activate several downstream signaling pathways, including the PI3K and MAPK pathways.
In which cancers are RAS mutations frequently found?
RAS mutations are frequently found in various cancers, including lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer.
What are CD34, CD45, CD5, CD204, and CD11b?
They are cell surface markers used to identify and differentiate various types of cells, primarily within the immune system and hematopoietic system.
What does CD34 identify?
CD34 is a marker for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
What does CD45 identify?
CD45 is a marker for leukocytes.
What does CD5 identify?
CD5 is a marker for T cells.
What does CD204 identify?
CD204 is a marker for dendritic cells.
What does CD11b identify?
CD11b is a marker for myeloid cells and plays a role in leukocyte adhesion and migration.
What is CD34?
CD34 is a glycosylated transmembrane protein expressed on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). It is commonly used to identify and isolate these cells for bone marrow transplantation.