30 Questions
What is the primary role of apoptosis in the development of an organism?
To facilitate proper development and destroy cells that would affect the integrity of the organism
What is the characteristic that distinguishes malignant tumours from benign tumours?
Metastasis
What is the result of mutations in genes that regulate apoptosis?
The development of cancer cells
What is the age-related factor that influences the development of cancer?
Increased risk of cancer development with increased age
What is the primary cause of cancer development?
Mutations in genes that facilitate normal physiological function
What is the characteristic of normal cells that is lacking in cancerous cells?
The components that instruct them to stop dividing and to die
Which type of carcinogen is known to stimulate cell proliferation and is referred to as a tumor promoter?
Estrogen at excess levels
What is the primary goal of cancer chemotherapy?
To produce total tumor cell kill, with the elimination of all neoplastic cells
Which of the following drugs is derived from the periwinkle plant (Catharantus roseus)?
Vincristine
At which stage of the cell cycle do Vinca alkaloids exert their effect?
During mitosis
What is the mechanism of action of Vinca alkaloids?
Disruption of microtubule formation
Why is early treatment critical in cancer chemotherapy?
Because the greater the tumor burden, the more difficult it is to treat the disease
What is the primary mechanism of action of vinca alkaloids in cancer treatment?
Interference with chromosome segregation
What is the primary route of excretion for vincristine sulfate?
Fecal excretion
What is the enzyme responsible for converting folate to tetrahydrofolate (FH4)?
Dihydrofolate reductase
What is the primary difference in toxicity between vincristine and vinblastine?
Vincristine is more neurotoxic
What is the protein binding percentage of vinblastine?
98-99%
What is the half-life of vincristine?
Triphasic: 5 minutes, 2 hours, 85 hours
What is the consequence of Methotrexate's inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase?
Indirect inhibition of DNA synthesis
What is the characteristic of Methotrexate's metabolic products?
Retained in the cell for weeks or months
What is the primary route of excretion for Methotrexate?
Urine
What is the mechanism of action of alkylating agents?
Binding covalently to DNA
What is the purpose of the 'Folinic acid (leucovorin) rescue technique'?
To reduce the toxicity of Methotrexate
What is the target of alkylating agents in DNA?
N-7 of guanine
What is the result of the metabolism of cyclophosphamide in the liver?
Formation of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide and subsequent nonenzymatic cleavage to aldophosphamide
What is the indication for the use of alkylating agents like cyclophosphamide in cancer treatment?
To treat malignant lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma
What is the significance of the ability of nitrosoureas to cross the blood-brain barrier?
It allows for the treatment of brain tumors and meninges
What is the mechanism of action of alkylating agents like nitrogen mustards and nitrosoureas?
Inhibition of DNA replication by forming inter-strand cross links
What is the common adverse effect of alkylating agents like cyclophosphamide and lomustine?
Bone marrow depression and hemorrhagic cystitis
What is the role of CYP3A4 in the metabolism of cyclophosphamide?
It converts cyclophosphamide to its active form
This quiz assesses your understanding of cancer and its development, including the characteristics of abnormal cells and the role of chemotherapy. It covers the basics of cancer, including uncontrolled cell proliferation and spread, and the use of drugs in cancer treatment. Test your knowledge of cancer and chemotherapy!
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