Intro To Cancer Biology Flashcards
(38 cards)
Name 2 types of tumours.
Benign and malignant.
Describe benign tumours.
Self limited in growth and don’t invade surrounding tissues. Non-cancerous. Problematic if they compress vital organs.
Describe malignant tumours.
Invasive and can spread (metastasising). Cancerous.
What is meant by ‘hallmarks of cancer?’
Concept that provides a Framework which shows the differences between normal and cancerous cells.
Name the 6 hallmarks of cancer.
1) sustained proliferation signalling
2) evading growth suppressors
3) resisting apoptosis
4) enabling replication immortality
5) including angiogenesis
6) activating invasion and metastasis
Explain ‘sustained proliferation signalling.’
Proto-oncogenes promote cell growth. They are converted into oncogenes which causes unchecked cell division.
Explain ‘evading growth suppressors.’
Tumours suppressors genes like TP53 and RBI act as breaks for cell division. So when they mutate, cells proliferate uncontrollably.
Explain ‘resisting apoptosis.’
Cancer cells evade apoptosis by altering pathways such as P53 tumour suppressor pathway, allowing them to survive despite genetic abnormality.
Explain ‘enabling replicative immortality.’
Normal cell divide with a limite due to their telomeres shortening (protective caps). Cancer cells maintain the telomeres through the activation of telomerase, allowing cells to divide indefinitely.
Explain ‘inducing angiogenesis.’
New blood vessels are formed to sustain growth of tumours. Process driven by factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Explain ‘activating invasion and metastasis.’
Cancer cells invade surrounding tissues via blood stream or lymphatic system. Primary cause of cancer -related deaths.
How can mutations be inherited?
Genetic predisposition like BRCA1/2 mutations in breast cancer increase risk of developing certain cancers.
How can mutations be acquired ?
Arise from somatic mutations caused by environmental factors like smoking, uv radiation, exposure to carcinogens.
What is meant by ‘driver mutation?’
Directly contribute to cancer development by affecting genes that regulate cell growth, death, and repair.
What is meant by ‘passenger mutation?’
Incidental mutations that doesn’t contribute to cancer but occur as a byproduct of the cancerous site.
What is tumour microenvironment ?
Ecosystem surrounding a tumour, made of cancer cells, stromal cells, blood vessels and extracellular matrix.
How can interactions within the microenviroment progress tumours?
- cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) secret growth factors that promote tumour growth.
- immune cells can suppress/support tumour development depending on their subtype and activation state.
How can understanding cancer microenviroment help us progress in medicine?
Led to the development of targeted therapies like angiogenesis inhibitors that block the formation of new blood vessels.
Name 3 methods to diagnose cancer.
1) imaging
2) biopsy
3) tumour markers
Give examples of imaging and what does it do?
- x-rays
- CT scan
- MRI
- PET scan
visualise tumours.
Describe how biopsy works.
Tissue samples are examined under microscope for cancerous changes.
Describe how tumour markers work.
Blood test for proteins like PSA (prostate specific antigen) can help diagnosis and monitoring or certain cancers.
Name 4 types of treatments for cancer.
- surgery
- radiotherapy
- chemotherapy
- immunotherapy
How is cancer surgery done?
1st line. Removes the tumour and surrounding tissue.
