Cancer Biology and Treatment Quiz

The most common cancer worldwide, affecting the skin.

A gene that acts as a tumor suppressor. p53 helps control cell growth and death by regulating apoptosis, a process that eliminates damaged cells.

A stage in the cell cycle where cells are inactive and not dividing. Cells in this phase are often sensitive to growth signals.

A protein that plays a crucial role in cell division. It's often overexpressed in cancers of the lung and gastrointestinal tract.

An enzyme found in normal cells but is overexpressed in cancer cells. Telomerase helps keep cells dividing indefinitely.

Lung and breast cancers are the most common solid organ malignancies.

Exposure to asbestos, mining, and construction work can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Diethylstilbestrol oestrogens can lead to vaginal, endometrial, and breast cancers.

The ECOG performance scale assesses a patient's overall fitness level by categorizing their ability to perform daily activities.

An ECOG score of 0 indicates a fully active patient with no restrictions in their daily activities.

An ECOG score of 1 indicates a patient who is fully active but might require analgesics for strenuous activities. They can perform light work or sedentary tasks.

An ECOG score of 2 indicates a patient who can ambulate and take care of themselves but cannot work. They spend 75% of their waking hours in bed.

An ECOG score of 3 indicates a patient who is limited in their self-care and mostly confined to bed or a wheelchair for 75% of their waking hours.

A type of tumor marker used to detect testicular teratomas and germ cell tumors of the ovary.

A type of tumor marker associated with medullary cell carcinoma of the thyroid, a rare but aggressive thyroid cancer.

A tumor marker often elevated in ovarian epithelial cell tumors, but also found in other cancers like those of the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and breast.

A tumor marker primarily used to detect pancreatic cancer, but also found in mucinous cancers of the ovary and other gastrointestinal tumors like gastric and colon cancers.

A tumor marker primarily associated with colorectal cancer, particularly with liver metastases.

A tumor marker elevated in choriocarcinoma (100%) and hydatiform mole (98%), as well as germ cell tumors.

A tumor marker commonly used to detect prostate cancer.

A tumor marker widely used to monitor papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.

Edema of the arms and face, distended neck and arm veins, dusky skin coloration, collaterals developing over weeks, headaches aggravated by bending forward, stooping or lying down, and dyspnea are common signs.

CT scan of the thorax is used to distinguish between intravascular and extrinsic causes.

Mediastinal radiotherapy or stenting (if chemo or radio-resistant) may be used.

The most common metabolic disorder in patients with cancer, with high incidence in myeloma and breast cancers due to overproduction of PTHrP.

Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, and dehydration.

Serum total calcium is checked and adjusted for albumin levels.

IV normal saline, bisphosphonates (like zoledronic acid or pamidronate), and calcitonin for acute cases are the mainstays of treatment.

A fever of 38°C or higher for more than an hour in a patient with a neutrophil count below 1.0x10^9/L, often secondary to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Headaches are the most common symptom, occurring in 50% of cases. Focal neurological deficits, cognitive dysfunction, and seizures can also occur.

Brain metastases are diagnosed using CT or contrast-enhanced MRI scans.

High-dose steroids are used to reduce edema, anti-convulsants manage seizures, and whole brain radiation and chemotherapy are used to target the tumor.

Lung metastases are often found on chest x-rays or CT scans, with greater than 2 nodules suggesting metastasis.

Surgery is considered for a solitary lung lesion, while radiation and chemotherapy are used for multiple lesions.

Bone metastases are the third most common type, following lung and liver. They commonly arise from myeloma, breast, or prostate cancer.

Isotope bone scans are not reliable for detecting multiple myeloma due to osteoblast suppression, while plain x-rays are preferred for initial evaluation.

Treatment involves IV bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy for breast or prostate cancer, and radiotherapy.

A type of cancer therapy that uses radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be delivered from a distance (teletherapy) or directly to the tumor (brachytherapy).

The most common histological subtype of breast cancer, accounting for roughly 70% of cases. It is often detected at an earlier stage, making it a more favorable form of breast cancer.

A method of delivering radioactive iodine to the thyroid gland to treat thyroid cancer.

This type of cancer treatment involves using drugs to target specific signaling pathways involved in cancer cell growth and spread. Examples include Gefitinib, Erlotinib, Imatinib, Bevacizumab, and Trastuzumab.

Tumor markers are substances found in the blood that can be elevated in the presence of certain cancers. CA-125 is a tumor marker specifically associated with ovarian cancer. It can be useful in diagnosing the disease and monitoring for recurrence.

A surgical procedure to remove both ovaries and the uterus. This is often used in the treatment of ovarian and endometrial cancer.

A type of ovarian cancer characterized by its aggressive nature. It often involves the peritoneal lining of the abdomen.

A rare type of cancer that involves the testicles. Early detection and treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes.