Cancer Biology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which type of mutation is primarily responsible for inherited cancer susceptibility, such as in BRCA1 and BRCA2?

  • Somatic mutations
  • Acquired mutations
  • Inborn zygotic mutations (correct)
  • Translocations

What environmental factor is known to contribute to the aetiology of cancer?

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Viral immunity
  • Antioxidant intake
  • Radiation exposure (correct)

Which gene is involved in the development of childhood cancers such as Wilm's tumour?

  • RB
  • p53
  • 11p13 (correct)
  • APC

What combination of factors is characteristic of an abnormal tissue microenvironment in cancer?

<p>Hypoxia, increased fibroblast activity, elevated immune cell presence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is most directly associated with mutations in the p53 gene?

<p>Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinguishing feature of malignant cells compared to benign growth disorders?

<p>Malignant cells exhibit uncontrolled proliferation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the aetiology of malignant disease?

<p>It involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these characteristics is generally NOT associated with malignant tumors?

<p>Slow growth rate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the eukaryotic cell cycle play in the development of cancer?

<p>Disruptions in this cycle can lead to uncontrolled cell division. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is least effective in diagnosing malignant disease?

<p>Physical examination of external symptoms only. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the mechanism responsible for tumor progression in malignant disease?

<p>It involves the accumulation of genetic mutations over time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of understanding risk factors associated with certain types of cancer?

<p>It allows for personalized prevention strategies and early detection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with malignant cells?

<p>Sensitivity to contact-inhibition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does telomerase play in malignant cells?

<p>It allows for unlimited replicative potential. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism do malignant cells employ to survive in ectopic environments?

<p>Autocrine signaling loop (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a hallmark of cancer related to blood vessel formation?

<p>Sustained angiogenesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of malignant cells being insensitive to growth inhibitory signals?

<p>They can grow unchecked beyond normal limits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best describes the anchorage-independent growth of malignant cells?

<p>They can proliferate without being attached to a surface. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do malignant cells exhibit insensitivity to inhibitory signals?

<p>By utilizing ligand-independent signaling pathways (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is primarily associated with sustained angiogenesis in malignant cells?

<p>Secretion of angiogenic factors like VEGF (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process allows malignant cells to colonize new tissues?

<p>Ability to invade surrounding tissues (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is NOT typically associated with dysplastic nevi?

<p>They have a regular shape. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes dysplasia?

<p>It is an alteration in size, shape, and organization of cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do dysplastic nevi change as they develop?

<p>They develop irregular shapes and may raise above the skin surface. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of rete ridge bridging indicate in dysplastic nevi?

<p>It shows epidermal thickenings extending downward. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with having dysplastic nevi?

<p>They increase the risk of developing melanomas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes hypertrophy from hyperplasia?

<p>Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size without an increase in number. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential morphological feature of dysplasia?

<p>Significant nuclear atypia. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying mechanism is primarily involved in the process of hypertrophy?

<p>Increased cell size. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best characterizes the relationship between dysplastic nevi and skin cancer?

<p>Dysplastic nevi present a greater risk for melanoma development. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the ability of cancer cells compared to normal cells in terms of growth?

<p>Anchorage-independent growth is present (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the spread of cancer cells through the lymphatic system?

<p>Intravasation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hallmark of cancer could be associated with solitary dormant cells referred to in the content?

<p>Formation of micrometastases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of cancer progression involves cancer cells penetrating blood vessels?

<p>Intravasation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key mechanism through which tumors gain blood supply to sustain themselves?

<p>Angiogenesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with cancer cells when compared to normal cells?

<p>Increased growth factor dependence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cancer progression, what indicates advanced metastatic potential?

<p>Progressive colonization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the spread of cancer cells via bloodstream after entering the circulatory system?

<p>Metastasis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the anchorage-independent growth capability in cancer cells?

<p>Survival and proliferation without attachment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'occult micrometastases' refer to in cancer biology?

<p>Hidden, small clusters of metastatic cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Benign growth

A type of growth that is abnormal but does not spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant disease

A type of growth that is abnormal and has the ability to spread to other parts of the body.

Aetiology of malignant disease

The factors that contribute to the development of malignant diseases.

Risk factors for cancer

Factors that increase the risk of developing a specific type of cancer.

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Mechanisms of malignant disease

The processes by which malignant disease develops.

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Clinical effects of tumors

The effects of tumors on the body.

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Diagnosis and treatment of malignant disease

Methods used to identify and treat malignant diseases.

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Metaplasia

A mature differentiated cell type changes into another mature differentiated cell type.

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Dysplasia

Abnormal development, alteration in the size, shape, and organization of adult cells.

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Dysplastic nevi (DN)

Atypical moles that are larger than ordinary moles, have irregular shape and tend to have uneven colour; they usually begin as flat, but parts may raise above the skin surface.

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Rete ridge bridging

Epidermal thickenings that extend downward between dermal papillae, a feature of dysplastic nevi.

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Hypertrophy

An increase in the size of an organ due to an increase in cell size without an increase in cell number.

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Hyperplasia

An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.

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Neoplasia

Abnormal cell growth.

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Benign neoplasia

Abnormal cell growth that is not cancerous.

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Malignant neoplasia

Abnormal cell growth that is cancerous.

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Growth signal autonomy in cancer

Cancer cells are able to grow without needing external growth signals. They become self-sufficient in their growth.

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Resistance to apoptosis in cancer

Cancer cells are not able to be killed by natural cell death (apoptosis), which allows them to continue growing indefinitely.

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Unlimited replicative potential in cancer

Cancer cells can keep dividing indefinitely, unlike normal cells, because they have the means to maintain their telomeres, the protective caps of chromosomes.

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Sustained angiogenesis in cancer

Cancer cells can create new blood vessels to supply themselves with nutrients and oxygen, helping them grow larger.

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Invasion in cancer

Cancer cells break away from their original location and invade surrounding tissue

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Metastasis in cancer

New cancer cells can start new colonies in other parts of the body, forming secondary tumors.

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Anchorage-independent growth in cancer

Cancer cells can grow even when they don't have a solid surface to attach to, allowing them to spread more easily.

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Loss of contact inhibition in cancer

Cancer cells lose their sensitivity to contact inhibition, allowing them to grow in a disorganized and uncontrolled manner.

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Autocrine signaling loop in cancer

Cancer cells create a loop where they release growth factors that stimulate their own growth, leading to uncontrolled proliferation.

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Ligand-independent signaling in cancer

Cancer cells can activate their growth pathways even without a growth factor signal, promoting continuous growth.

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In situ cancer

A type of cancer that remains confined to its original site. It has not spread to other parts of the body.

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Invasion of the tumor border

The process by which cancer cells invade surrounding tissues and break through the basement membrane.

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Anchorage-independent growth in vitro

The ability of cancer cells to grow and multiply without the need for attachment to a solid surface, like a petri dish.

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Intravasation

The process by which cancer cells enter the bloodstream from the primary tumor.

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Lymphatic spread

The spread of cancer cells through the lymphatic system.

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Extravasation

The process by which cancer cells exit the bloodstream and establish a new tumor in a distant site from the original tumor.

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Occult micrometastases

Tiny, isolated clusters of cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumor but have not yet caused any noticeable symptoms.

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Angiogenesis

The development of new blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to a growing tumor.

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Contact inhibition

A characteristic of normal cells that prevents them from growing and dividing uncontrollably. Cancer cells lose this property and divide without restraint.

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Inborn zygotic mutations

Genetic changes, like mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, that increase a person's chance of developing cancer.

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Somatic mutations

Changes in genes that occur after birth, in specific cells, which can contribute to the development of cancer.

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Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS)

A condition where a person has an increased risk of developing various cancers due to a mutation in the p53 gene.

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Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML)

A type of cancer where a specific gene rearrangement, called the Philadelphia chromosome, causes the disease.

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p53 gene

A gene that plays a key role in regulating cell growth and preventing cancer, often mutated in cancer.

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Study Notes

Learning Outcomes

  • Distinguish benign and malignant growth disorders
  • Describe malignant cell characteristics
  • Discuss the causes of malignant disease, relating specific risk factors to cancer types
  • Explain mechanisms responsible for malignant disease
  • Understand the clinical effects of tumors
  • Assess approaches for diagnosing & treating malignant disease

Learning Resources

  • Lakhani, S.R., Dilly, S.A., Finlayson, C.J. (2016) Basic Pathology: an introduction to the mechanisms of disease. CRC Press (e-book)
  • Weinberg, R.A. (2014). The Biology of Cancer. Garland Science
  • Other relevant journals, articles & websites

Revision Reading

  • Chapter 16: Eukaryotic cell cycle, mitosis, and meiosis in Thrive in Cell Biology (2013), Wang Q. et al., Oxford University Press
  • Chapter 17: Cell death in Thrive in Cell Biology (2013), Wang Q. et al., Oxford University Press
  • Moodle URL link: e-book: Chapter: Cancer cell biology

What is Cancer?

  • Cancer is a cellular issue in multicellular organisms
  • Cells develop abnormal properties
  • Cancer is a collection of various diseases
  • Cancer's core feature is uncontrolled growth

Characteristics of Malignant Cells

  • Loss of growth control (autonomy; insensitivity to inhibitory signals)
  • Resistance to programmed cell death (apoptosis)
  • Unlimited replicative potential (telomeres, telomerase)
  • Sustained angiogenesis (blood vessel formation)
  • Ability to invade surrounding tissue
  • Ability to colonize and survive in different environments (metastasis)
  • Anchorage-independent growth and lose contact inhibition sensitivity

Causes of Cancer (Aetiology)

  • Mutations (inborn zygotic, somatic)
  • Environmental factors (viruses, chemicals, radiation)
  • Abnormal tissue microenvironment (blood vessels, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix and signaling)
  • Hypoxia
  • Age, lifestyle, etc.

Genetic Mutations & Cancer Risk

  • Inborn/zygotic mutations, somatic mutations
  • BRCA1/2, Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), Wilm's tumor (del 11p13)
  • Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), Philadelphia chromosome t(9;22)
  • Retinoblastoma (RB), Familial adenomatous polyposis.
  • Colorectal cancer (APC)

Cancer Diagnosis

  • Physical examination (lumps, bleeding etc.)
  • Screening (Pap smears)
  • Routine tests (x-rays, blood tests)
  • Imaging (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound)
  • Endoscopies
  • Special investigations (markers like catecholamines)
  • Biopsies (histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy)
  • Genetic testing

Tumor Markers

  • Substances found in bodily fluids, related to malignancy
  • Screening, diagnosing, staging, monitoring, determining treatment approach
  • (e.g., AFP, CA15-3, CA19-9, CA-125, calcitonin, GFAP, MyoD1, PSA, synaptophysin)

Cancer Cachexia

  • Progressive skeletal muscle loss, adipose tissue waste, inflammation, metabolic changes, leading to reduced function
  • Not dependent on tumor size, varies with tumor type and stage
  • Chemotherapy/radiotherapy may worsen cachexia

Paraneoplastic Syndromes

  • Symptoms explained by tumors not related to local or distant spread
  • Examples: hypercalcemia, endocrine effects, clubbing, skin rashes, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.

Clinical Effects of Tumors

  • General effects, local effects, endocrine effects, paraneoplastic syndromes

Histogenetic Classification

  • Carcinoma (epithelial origin)
  • Sarcoma (connective tissue origin)
  • Others (leukemia, lymphoma, neuroectodermal malignancies, germ tissue)

Management of Cancers

  • Determined by tumour aggressiveness, spread predictability, treatment morbidity/mortality, curability
  • Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplants, targeted therapies

Chemotherapy

  • A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill/damage cancer cells
  • Common side effects: infections, diarrhea, nausea, appetite loss, hair loss, anemia

Targeted Cancer Therapy

  • Drugs/substances that interfere with specific molecules affecting tumor growth and progression

Proton Therapy

  • Radiation therapy using protons, instead of x-rays, to target cancer
  • May be used alone or combined with other treatments

HPV Vaccine

  • Vaccine protecting against human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause certain cancers
  • Varies by country, includes target age groups and gender

Multi-Step Cancer Progression

  • Tumours develop through multiple stages beginning from DNA damage.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the genetic and environmental factors contributing to cancer susceptibility. This quiz covers essential concepts such as gene mutations, tumor characteristics, and the role of the cell cycle in malignancy. Perfect for biology students and cancer research enthusiasts.

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