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Questions and Answers
What is the characteristic of benign tumours?
What is the characteristic of benign tumours?
What is the primary role of apoptosis in the development of an organism?
What is the primary role of apoptosis in the development of an organism?
What is the result of mutations in genes that regulate apoptosis?
What is the result of mutations in genes that regulate apoptosis?
What is the role of p53 in relation to cancer development?
What is the role of p53 in relation to cancer development?
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What is the effect of carcinogens on cell proliferation?
What is the effect of carcinogens on cell proliferation?
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What is the relationship between age and cancer development?
What is the relationship between age and cancer development?
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What is the aim of cancer chemotherapy?
What is the aim of cancer chemotherapy?
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What is the mechanism of action of Vinca alkaloids?
What is the mechanism of action of Vinca alkaloids?
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What is the primary mechanism of excretion of vincristine?
What is the primary mechanism of excretion of vincristine?
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What is the role of folate in DNA synthesis?
What is the role of folate in DNA synthesis?
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What is the difference between vincristine and vinblastine in terms of neurotoxicity?
What is the difference between vincristine and vinblastine in terms of neurotoxicity?
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What is the plasma protein binding of vinblastine?
What is the plasma protein binding of vinblastine?
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Study Notes
Cancer Development
- Cancer develops from abnormal cells due to mutations in normal cell DNA, characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and spread.
- Normal cells have a limited lifespan and die, whereas cancer cells lack the components that instruct them to stop dividing and die.
Apoptosis
- Apoptosis is programmed cell death that facilitates proper development and destroys cells that could harm the organism.
- Both extrinsic and intrinsic signals initiate apoptosis, which can be affected by mutations, leading to cancer development.
Types of Tumors
- Benign tumors: non-invasive, do not metastasize, and do not regrow.
- Malignant tumors: invasive, metastasize, and de-differentiate.
Causes of Cancer
- Mutations in genes that regulate normal physiological functions, caused by errors during cell division, environmental factors, or heredity.
- Carcinogens, such as estrogen, can stimulate cell proliferation.
- Cancer-causing viruses, like Epstein-Barr virus, human papilloma virus, and hepatitis B virus, can increase cancer risk.
Principles of Cancer Chemotherapy
- Aims to eliminate all neoplastic cells, with early treatment being critical.
- Involves drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, often requiring combinations of drugs with different mechanisms of action.
- Targets actively growing cells, which are most sensitive to chemotherapy.
Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs
- Vinca alkaloids: derived from the periwinkle plant, binding to β-tubulin, and preventing microtubule formation.
- Folate antagonists: methotrexate, inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase and preventing DNA synthesis.
- Alkylating agents: nitrogen mustards and nitrosoureas.
Vinca Alkaloids
- Vincristine: used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
- Vinblastine: used to treat breast cancer, testicular cancer, and neuroblastoma.
- Side effects: alopecia, cellulitis, nausea, bone marrow depression, and neurotoxicity.
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Description
Test your understanding of cancer, malignant tumors, and neoplasms, including their development and characteristics. Explore the role of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer development and its importance in maintaining organism integrity.
