Tumour Progression Flashcards
1
Q
What molecules attach epithelial cells to each other? (significant in cancer)
A
Cadherins (E-cadherin)
2
Q
What 2 key molecules comprise the BM?
A
- Collagen 4 (majority)
- Laminin
3
Q
What can malignant cells produce to destroy the BM?
A
Collagenase
4
Q
What are the steps involved in metastasis?
A
- Downregulation of BM
- Cells attachto laminin and destroy BM
- Cells attach to fibronectin in extracellular matrix and spread locally
- Entrance into vascular or lymphatic spaces
5
Q
What do carcinomas tend to spread via?
A
Lymphatics
6
Q
What is a sarcoma?
A
Malignancy of mesenchymal tissue
7
Q
What cancers typically spread via the blood?
A
- Sarcomas (mesenchymal, connective tissue)
- RCC (renal vein)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatic vein)
- Follicular carcinoma of the thyroid
- Choriocarcinoma
8
Q
What protein do cancerous cells attach to in the extracellular matrix?
A
Fibronectin
9
Q
What is choriocarcinoma?
A
Malignancy of placental tissue - trophoblasts (they invade the blood vessels normally)
- Cells that line the villi of the placenta
10
Q
What cancer has seeding of the body cavities?
- Creates ‘omental caking’
A
Ovarian carcinoma
