Cancer Pharmacology: Intro to Treatment

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Questions and Answers

What refinement has optimized the effectiveness of chemotherapy, specifically related to a patient's genetic makeup?

  • Increasing the dosage of chemotherapeutic agents to overcome resistance.
  • Administering chemotherapy only during specific phases of the cell cycle.
  • Tailoring the treatment to the genetics of the patient and their cancer. (correct)
  • Using only non-cell cycle specific (NCCS) drugs, ensuring broad action.

In the context of cancer development, what distinguishes a tumor initiator from a tumor promoter?

  • Tumor initiators enhance immune response, while tumor promoters suppress it.
  • Tumor initiators directly activate oncogenes, while tumor promoters inactivate tumor suppressor genes.
  • Tumor initiators are mutagens that cause genetic changes, while tumor promoters induce proliferation. (correct)
  • Tumor initiators induce cell proliferation, whereas tumor promoters cause direct DNA damage.

If resistance to a chemotherapy drug develops because cancer cells upregulate the expression of specific enzyme targets, which therapeutic strategy might be most effective in overcoming this resistance?

  • Switching to a chemotherapy drug that targets a completely different cellular process to bypass the overexpressed enzyme.
  • Using an adjuvant therapy that specifically inhibits the overexpressed enzyme, thereby restoring the drug's effectiveness. (correct)
  • Administering the chemotherapy drug in shorter, more frequent intervals to maintain a consistently high concentration.
  • Increasing the dosage of the current chemotherapy drug to overwhelm the increased enzyme activity.

In the context of tumor suppressor genes, what is the functional consequence of a mutation leading to a 'mutator phenotype'?

<p>Accelerated rate of additional mutations, fostering cancer progression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the development of aneuploidy contribute to cancer progression?

<p>Aneuploidy leads to genomic instability, which can drive cancer development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the mechanism of action of alkylating agents, a class of genotoxic chemotherapeutics, lead to cancer cell death?

<p>By directly disrupting the structure of DNA through creating cross-links, base modifications, or strand breaks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does understanding the fractional kill hypothesis influence the scheduling and dosing of chemotherapy treatments?

<p>It dictates that chemotherapy should be given in cycles, allowing normal cells to recover while relying on subsequent treatments to eliminate remaining cancer cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical difference between cell cycle-specific (CCS) and non-cell cycle-specific (NCCS) chemotherapy drugs?

<p>CCS drugs are only effective during specific phases of the cell cycle, while NCCS drugs can act on cells in any phase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key function of topoiosomerase I and II inhibitors in cancer chemotherapy, and during which phase of the cell cycle are they most effective?

<p>Blocking the ligation step of the cell cycle, generating single and double-stranded breaks during the G2 phase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the statement: 'Cancer is primarily a disease of old age'?

<p>The risk of developing cancer sharply increases with age due to accumulated genetic damage and weakened cellular repair mechanisms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a main consideration when administering genotoxic agents?

<p>There is an increased risk of developing a secondary cancer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the cell cycle is specifically targeted by chemotherapeutic drugs classified as 'mitotic spindle poisons'?

<p>They disrupt the formation and function of spindle fibers, affecting chromosome segregation during mitosis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy do tumors employ to evade the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs?

<p>Expressing P-glycoprotein, increasing enzyme targets or upregulating mitosis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When tumors fail to response to the the effects of Tamoxifen, what could be the reason?

<p>Decreased expression of ER receptors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of cancer is radiation recall reaction seen and what are the most common symptoms?

<p>It is seen in any type of cancer; some common symptoms are erythema and desquamation of the skin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of precision medicine, how do targeted therapies like Imatinib (Gleevec) work?

<p>They inhibit specific enzymes involved in the growth processes of cancer cells and is used as a last line of defense. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a chemotherapeutic agent is described as a 'P-glycoprotein inhibitor', what implication would this have for cancer treatment strategy?

<p>Increased drug accumulation within cancer cells, potentially overcoming resistance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some key components of an antibody-drug conjugate?

<p>Monoclonal antibody, a stable linker and a cytotoxic agent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If cancer cells evade apoptosis, what are some contributing factors?

<p>Oncogenic mutations and failure to undergo apoptosis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key fact about combination therapy?

<p>The synergistic effects decrease the need for high doses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating a new drug that targets specific cancer cells, but finds that the drug is effective in vitro but less successful in animals. After further testing, it is determined that specific enzymes are causing the drug to become less effective. Why might the presence of liver and kidney issues be relevant?

<p>They affect drug selection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept poses challenges when using cytotoxic agents, specifically because they cause DNA damage?

<p>There is an elevated risk of a secondary cancer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Herceptin work as a cancer treatment?

<p>Herceptin binds to the Her2 receptor, leading to decreased function of the target and decreasing cell growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most chemotherapeutic drugs have serious side effects related to normal and rapidly dividing cells. Which are the most commonly affected cells?

<p>Bone marrow, reproductive and lining of the intestine. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hallmark of cancer describes the ability of cancer cells to sustain their own proliferation without external stimuli?

<p>Self-sufficiency in growth signals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher discovers a novel compound that selectively inhibits the function of thymidylate synthase. How would they classify this compound?

<p>An anti-metabolite that interferes with DNA synthesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of "CHK 1/2 inhibitors" in cancer treatment?

<p>They are cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors; potentiators of cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs – tumors with DNA repair defects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A new study shows that a genetic mutation is prevalent in families. What is a possible risk?

<p>The family could have inherited dispositions increasing susceptibility to get certain diseases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A diagnostic test assesses the microscopic grade of a tumor. What tumor property correlates with a higher grade histologically?

<p>Tumors whose cells have lost differentiation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What therapeutic action is achieved by Aromatase Inhibitors?

<p>They inhibit the hormones which trigger cell growth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is cancer treated with radio/chemotherapy?

<p>This process can lead to curative responses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must occur to treat cancer with combination therapy?

<p>It is often necessary to take more than one of these treatments at some point. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are side effects managed?

<p>Some patients will choose to stop treatment to improve the side effects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

One factor of cancer is that cells go through a dysregulated cell cycle. The stages of the cell cycle are highly intricate and have features of their own, how can chemotherapeutics aid in controlling the dysregulated cell cycle?

<p>Chemotherapeutics can be designed in various ways to target each stage of the cell cycle to slow down cancerous cell replication. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What steps are involved with cancer from hyperplasia through to metastasis?

<p>Hyperplasia, dysplasia, cancer in situ, and metastasis are all critical for development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would chemotherapy likely demonstrate the highest efficacy, considering tumor growth dynamics?

<p>Rapidly dividing tumors in early stages, exhibiting a high growth fraction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents induce cell death in rapidly dividing cells?

<p>By disrupting normal cellular processes like replication and division. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is least likely to be a guideline for drug selection in combination therapy?

<p>Prioritizing drugs that have similar mechanisms of action to maximize therapeutic efficacy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor would most significantly compromise the effectiveness of a cell cycle-specific (CCS) drug?

<p>A significant proportion of the tumor cells being in the G0 (quiescent) phase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical implication of the finding that a patient carries a MUT/MUT allele for TPMT before administering thiopurine drugs?

<p>The patient is a poor metabolizer and is at high risk for severe toxicity from standard doses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with breast cancer is prescribed Tamoxifen, but the physician notes that the patient is also taking an antidepressant, what is the major concern?

<p>The antidepressant may interfere with the CYP2D6 enzyme, reducing the effectiveness of Tamoxifen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cellular event is most directly inhibited by drugs classified as 'topoisomerase inhibitors'?

<p>The processes of DNA uncoiling and re-ligation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do genotoxic chemotherapeutic agents typically initiate cell death?

<p>By binding to DNA and inhibiting replication enzymes, leading to apoptosis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which methotrexate exerts its cytotoxic effect on cancer cells?

<p>Inhibiting the formation of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, essential for DNA synthesis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best describes how cancer cells evade the effects of hormonal therapies like selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)?

<p>Cancer cells can lose or bypass the targeted hormone receptor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the inherent heterogeneity within tumors complicate the response to chemotherapy?

<p>It allows for the selection of drug-resistant cell populations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical function of tumor suppressor genes in maintaining genomic stability?

<p>Regulating DNA repair, chromosome segregation, and genome maintenance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the cell cycle do topoisomerase II inhibitors like etoposide exert their primary cytotoxic effects?

<p>G2 phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which clinical setting would angiogenesis inhibitors be least effective?

<p>In slow-growing tumors with established vasculature. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism underlies the capacity of cancer cells to sustain proliferative signaling, one of the recognized hallmarks of cancer?

<p>Production of growth factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a tumor with a mutation that causes upregulation of thymidylate synthase be resistant to 5-Fluorouracil?

<p>because 5-FU inhibits thymidylate synthase. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a significant challenge in the design and application of chemotherapy regimens?

<p>The shared cellular processes between normal and cancerous cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is scheduling is crucial for optimizing the efficacy of cell cycle-specific (CCS) drugs?

<p>Because CCS drugs act most effectively during defined phases of the cell cycle. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of leucovorin given during treatments using methotrexate?

<p>It provides a source of THF that is insensitive to DHFR (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When compared to traditional chemotherapeutic agents, what is the key difference for molecularly targeted cancer therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)?

<p>TKIs specifically target molecules or pathways critical to cancer cell growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher discovers a novel compound that effectively inhibits cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Initial in vivo studies show minimal effect. What is a likely reason?

<p>The compound fails to reach the tumor site at an effective concentration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event in cancer initiation is best described tumor promoters?

<p>stimulate the proliferation of cells with initiated mutations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are cancers often treated using combination therapy?

<p>It enhances the effects against tumor cells while decreasing probability of drug resistance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is diagnoses with a high-grade tumor, how does this affect prognosis?

<p>irregular size nuclei (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is being treated with hormone therapy and is administered Aromatase Inhibitors; what will the expected result be?

<p>It will decrease estrogen synthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher finds that a novel therapeutic agent effectively kills tumor cells in vitro but shows poor efficacy in vivo. What factor is responsible?

<p>It was determined that specific liver enzymes are causing the drug to become less effective. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are a few reasons why cancer is primarily a disease of old age?

<p>Older adults' cells accumulate genetic mutations over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes HER2/neu a viable cancer treatment?

<p>HER2/neu is a growth factor receptor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are side effects like nausea and vomiting reduced for cancer patients?

<p>Managing side effects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario in which a tumor has undergone clonal proliferations, what is the first thing that must occur?

<p>Starts from a single cell (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the function of cytotoxic agents play a role in the challenges of killing the affected cells?

<p>Non-selective toxicity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the current approach to cancer treatment?

<p>Therapies may involve surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is used with combination therapy?

<p>Each drug being active when used alone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes most chemotherapies to have adverse effects on normal cells?

<p>Non-specific agents that interfere with cell processes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of therapy can be used for patients to take advantage of the genetics of cancer cells?

<p>Optimization to genetics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A cancer cell utilizes multiple mechanisms to evade apoptosis and sustain proliferation. Which of the following integrated strategies would most effectively counteract these survival advantages?

<p>Target anti-apoptotic proteins while simultaneously inhibiting growth factor signaling pathways. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to develop a novel therapeutic strategy that selectively eliminates cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells. Considering the information, which approach holds the most promise?

<p>Using agents that target unique genetic mutations present only in cancer cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, scientists are exploring methods to sensitize cancer cells. Which strategy shows the most promise for enhancing chemosensitivity across a broad range of tumors?

<p>Suppressing the activity of P-glycoprotein transporters. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is developing a novel drug to combat cancer metastasis and needs to choose a target that will have the broadest impact. Which of the following targets would most effectively prevent cancer cells from invading tissues and forming metastases?

<p>Tissue invasion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A research team aims to develop a cancer therapy that exploits the unique metabolic requirements of cancer cells. Which strategy aligns best with this objective?

<p>Targeting regulatory proteins that are commonly mutated in cancer cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a solid tumor is undergoing treatment with an anti-angiogenic drug. What is most likely the primary mechanism by which this drug impedes tumor growth and metastasis?

<p>Diminishing the tumor's capacity to recruit new blood vessels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A research team is investigating mechanisms to selectively target and eliminate cancer cells that have developed resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Considering the data, which innovative therapeutic approach holds the greatest potential for overcoming drug resistance?

<p>Reversing multidrug resistance pharmacologically. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating a cancer in which cells are highly proliferative, have a compromised DNA repair system, and display chromosomal instability. Which therapeutic strategy would be most effective?

<p>Administering DNA intercalating agents (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist aims to enhance the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents specifically to tumor cells, which are located far from the bloodstream. Which strategy would be most effective?

<p>Using agents that enhance drug penetration into solid tumors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In designing an effective cancer treatment strategy, researchers aim to target pathways that give cancer cells a survival advantage. Which of the following approaches would counteract the cell's ability to 'evade apoptosis'?

<p>Administering drugs that selectively inhibit anti-apoptotic factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A clinician is presented with a patient whose tumor cells have developed multiple mechanisms of resistance to multiple chemotherapy drugs. Which of the following management strategies is the most likely to improve treatment outcomes?

<p>Modulating drug efflux pumps and DNA repair mechanisms in conjunction with chemotherapy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A new cancer therapeutic approach aims to leverage the body’s own immune system to target malignancies. Which of the following strategies would best align with this therapeutic approach?

<p>Administering immune checkpoint inhibitors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A pharmaceutical company aims to develop drugs that interfere with cancer metastasis. Which molecular target would offer the most promise of directly preventing the spread of cancer cells to distant sites?

<p>Drugs that inhibit tissue invasion and metastasis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the efficacy of combining two chemotherapeutic drugs, Drug A and Drug B, in treating a specific type of cancer. If Drug A is known to cause significant myelosuppression, which principle should guide the selection of Drug B to minimize overlapping toxicities?

<p>Select Drug B with a different mechanism of action and a toxicity profile that does not primarily affect the bone marrow. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cancer cells, which characteristic related to the cell cycle offers the most promise as a target for therapeutic intervention, aiming to selectively destroy cancer cells?

<p>Dysregulation of the cell cycle. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with ER-positive breast cancer is being treated with tamoxifen. What factor could lead to a lack of response to tamoxifen therapy?

<p>Decreased expression of the estrogen receptor (ER). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher investigates a new anticancer drug that inhibits tubulin polymerization. During which phase of the cell cycle would this new drug be most effective?

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

If a cancer cell acquires a mutation that disables a key DNA checkpoint, which outcome is most likely to occur?

<p>Increased genomic instability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying cancer cells with a mutation that upregulates telomerase activity. What impact does telomerase activation have on cancer cells?

<p>Promote limitless replicative potential. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most consequential implication at the cellular level following the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes?

<p>Uncontrolled cell division (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is cancer?

A group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

What is the main feature of cancer?

Uncontrolled cell division arising from an accumulation of several genetic mutations.

Self-sufficiency in growth signals

The ability of cancer cells to grow independently of normal growth signals.

What are Oncogenes?

Mutated genes which promote cell division and tumor growth.

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What are tumor suppressor genes?

Genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle control or apoptosis which are inactivated in cancer

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What is chromosomal instability?

Loss of normal chromosome structure; a common feature of cancer cells.

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Describe Dysregulated Cell Cycle

A phase where cancer cells divide when they are not supposed to.

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What is the G1 phase?

One of the four phases of the cell cycle in which the cell grows and prepares to synthesize DNA.

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What happens during S Phase?

The synthesis phase in which cellular DNA is synthesized.

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What is the G0 phase?

A resting state where the cell is neither dividing nor preparing to divide

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What is a Tumor Initiator?

A substance that causes mutations or DNA damage.

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What is a Tumor Promoter?

A substance that enhances cell proliferation such as alcohol or inflammation

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How do oncogenes promote cancer?

Mutated genes that favor tumor growth and override

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What is Aneuploidy?

A condition in which cells have more or fewer chromosomes than normal.

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What is sustained angiogenesis?

Ability to promote the formation of new blood vessels to support tumor growth.

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What’s adenoma?

Benign epithelial tumor is known as?

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What’s carcinoma?

Malignant epithelial tumor is known as?

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What is metastasis?

This is when a tumor spreads to distant sites.

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What is cancer grading?

A system for classifying the degree of abnormality seen in cancer cells.

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what is cancer? Progression

the process from normal to benign and malignant?

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What is Chemotherapy?

Treatment using chemical substances to kill cancer cells.

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What are Cell cycle-specific drugs (CCS)

Anticancer drugs specific to certain phases of the cell cycle are called?

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What are Non-cell cycle specific drugs (NCCS)

Anticancer drugs affecting cells in any stage of the cell cycle are called?

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What are 2 examples of genotoxic drugs? (NCCS)?

Alkylating agents, platinating agents

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What is a genotoxic drug MOA?

The MOA includes inhibiting DNA replication enzymes.

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Name some antimetabolites

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Methotrexate (MTX).

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What kind of drug is Methotrexate frequently used?

A phase in chemotherapy used to treat large cell, high-grade, lymphoblastic leukemia.

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What is a Cytoskeletal Inhibitor MOA?

Interfere with microtubule formation

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What is Vincristine/Taxol?

Chemotherapeutic drugs used to interfere with microtubule formation

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What is a Topoisomerase Inhibitor?

MOA is breaking and uncoiling DNA

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Names 3 hormonal Therapy drugs

Example aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane

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Target is specific in cell

Endocrine therapy is used for?

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How does Interferon Help?

Immuno-modulators in cancer therapy: Interferon and Interleukin-2

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Where is immuno-oncology going?

Therapy developed recently and has major benefits for cancer

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Vincristine

an anticancer drug working in various ways as an alkylating, anti metabolite, or mitotic poison (Oncovin)

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What does 5-FU (fluorouracil) do?

Inhibits DNA synthesis, cell division

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What is resistance?

Resistance by changing the target protein.

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What is increased expression?

An increased amount of a protein.

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What does chemotherapy do?

Inhibit cellular division and replication.

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Describe the affects of Chemotherapy

Resistance can limit and or force.

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Describe type of cancer?

Cancer treatment influenced is type, location health, combination, kills apoptosis and contain.

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What is Chemotherapy failing?

A process in which there isn't a full success.

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Study Notes

Cancer Pharmacology Introduction

  • Cancer is a collection of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and the potential to invade or spread to other areas of the body
  • In Canada, cancer accounted for 26.4% of deaths in 2020
  • 239,100 new cases and 86,700 deaths are expected to occur in Canada in 2023
  • Lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers will account for approximately half of all cancer diagnoses and deaths in Canada in 2023
  • Roughly 1 in 2 Canadians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 4 will die from it
  • Approximately 63% of Canadians that are diagnosed with cancer will survive for at least 5 years following their diagnosis
  • Cancer is primarly a disease of old age

What This Course Will Cover

  • Stages of the cell cycle
  • Molecular biology of cancers (oncogenes vs tumor suppressors)
  • General principles of cancer, pathology, types, stages of tumor progression
  • General principles of cancer treatment
  • Chemotherapy drugs (cell cycle specific vs non-cell cycle specific)
  • Adverse reactions and mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy
  • Pharmacogenomics and individualized therapy
  • Chemotherapeutic strategies on the horizon

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the difference between normal and cancer cells
  • Explain the hallmarks of cancer
  • Discuss the cell cycle in detail
  • What part of the cell cycle do chemotherapy agents act
  • Explain how tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes relate to checkpoint proteins
  • Explain ways the cell cycle can be mis-regulated and how this leads to cancer
  • Discuss the different types of chemotherapeutics and their function
  • Identify chemotherapeutic side-effects that reduce patient quality-of-life

Cancer as a Multi-Step Process

  • Cancer requires cells to make critical decisions
  • These decisions include, cell renewal, differentiation, and cell death
  • These decisions are often not completed properly

The Path To Cancer

  • Cancer begins with clonal proliferation, forming from single cell
  • Expansion occurs in steps
  • Cancer progresses through pre-malignant states (Polyp, MDS, MGUS)
  • Accumulation of mutations (Clonal evolution and Resistance)

Hallmarks of Cancer

  • Self-sufficiency in growth signals
  • Insensitivity to anti-growth signals
  • Evading apoptosis
  • Limitless reproductive potential
  • Sustained angiogenesis
  • Tissue invasion and metastases
  • Genomic instability

How Cancer Arises

  • Cancer originates from the accumulation of genetic changes including somatic mutations or genetic selection at the level of single cells
  • Most cancers have a minimum of 5 gene mutations, but often more(6-9)
  • Cancer is generally not a hereditary disease, but dispositions can be inherited
  • The BRCA 1/2 mutations can lead to breast and ovarian cancer
  • Normal gene activated by ATM kinase and targets p53
  • Mutated genes often are involved in regulating the cell cycle
  • Genomic instability increases the frequency of cancer
  • Aneuploidy is a hallmark of cancerous cells

Etiology: Nature vs Nurture

  • Nature : Genetic/Developmental includes inherited cancer syndromes p53, BRCA1/2 and MMR
  • Nature also includes immune deficiency syndromes and polymorphisms that influences risk of the occurance, progression and treatment for cancer
  • Nurture: Enviromental factors cosmic, fallout, radon/sun, chemotherapy MDS, viruses and bacteria including EBV, HTLV-I/II, H. pylori
  • Nurture : Repeated injury, workplace/home and other envrionmental and lifestyle factors
  • Enviromental include food additives, pollutions, occupational and industrial
  • Lifestyle factors contribute such as tobacco (NSCLC), alcohol (rectal cancer), diet (obesity) and viruses (HPV/HIV)

Cancer Development

  • Tumor initiators (Mutagens)
  • Include X rays, UV light, DNA alkylating agents
  • Tumor promoting actions promote cell proliferation
  • Such as inflammation, alcohol, or estrogen and androgens

Cell Cycle Phases

  • G1 (gap phase): cell growth and preparation for DNA synthesis
  • S (synthesis phase): DNA synthesis
  • G2 (second gap phase): cell prepares to divide
  • M (mitosis): cell division occurs
  • G0 (arrest/quiescent): resting state

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

  • G1/S checkpoint: ensures cell size and DNA integrity
  • G2/M checkpoint: monitors DNA synthesis and damage
  • M checkpoint: monitors spindle formation and attachment to kinetochores

Cancer Pathogenesis: Role of Genes

  • Mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes can lead to cancer
  • Oncogenes: activated proto-oncogenes which normally function in cell growth and transcription (myc, ras, src, abl, bcl2)
  • Tumor suppressor genes are inactivated and involved in DNA repair, cell cycle control, and cell death (p53, Rb, APC, MEN1, NF1)

Role of Tumour Suppressors

  • Tumour Suppressors act as "Guardian(s) of the genome" to maintain genomic integrity, and mutations can lead to a mutator phenotype, increasing mutation rates
  • Tumour Suppressors are often the 1st mutation in a developing cancer
  • p53 is a classic tumour suppressor
    • In 50% of cancers have p53 pathwary mutations
    • Also senese genomic damage via ATM
    • If its irreparable, p53 will initiate cell death process
  • Rb functions as a checkpoint
    • Binds to E2F1 that initiates G1/s
    • The binding prevents E2F1 from doing its function

OncoGenes

  • Oncogenes have a common functions
  • Growth: Signal to start replication
  • Bypass checkpoints
  • Accumulate defects such as improper cell division, DNA contents with improper seperation of chromosomes, and aneuploidy
  • growth factors, growth factor receptors, signal transducers, nuclear receptors, transcription factors, suppressors of apoptosis
  • HER2/neu, an amplified oncogene that promotes breast cancer is treated though herceptin
  • RAS is frequently mutated and responsive to GTPase, mutation leads to expression
  • Cancer is not necessarily in only one part of the body. It can move though signaling processes and gene amplification

Genomic Instability

  • Chromosomal instability: Gross translocations, Loss and Gain of chromosome parts, detectable genetic abnormalies
  • Dysfunctional DNA: Repair is enhanced Gl, Repair genes -Mutator phenotypes ( tumour suppressors) Xeroderma Pigmentosum
  • Mismatch repair genes ATM and BRCA1/2
  • Philadelphia rearrangement is classic for leukimia

Concepts of Tumor Growth and Nomenclature

  • Tumor Growth Concepts depend heavily on Growth fraction and Doubling time
  • Early stages : Short doubling/Long doubling times
  • Chemotherapy is most effective when the grwoth fractionn is high in tumor grwth
  • Benign neoplasms are considered polyp while maglinat ones are known as : eptithelial,mesenchyme( sarcoma(haematopietic and leukemia

Stages of Tumour Development and Terminology

  • Hyperplasia: increased number of cells
  • Hypertrophy: increased size of cells
  • Dysplasia: disorderly proliferation
  • Neoplasia: abnormal new growth
  • Anaplasia: lack of differentiation
  • Tumour : a swelling equated with neoplasia
  • Metastatsis: growth of cancer cells at a distance
  • Benign/regular while malignant is vice versa with its defined order
  • Leiomyosarcoma is a benign, of the Uterus

Cancer Indicators

  • GRADE : Cell look ,
  • STAGE: the level has spread to(tumour-metastses. nodes /tumour)

Cancer Metastasis and Classification of cancer based on Staging

  • Colon can be defined through Dukes A-D and can be categorised by its spread.
  • Distant Cancer is hard to eliminate
  • Cancer spread throughout the body is caled the primary stage
  • Possible therapeutic interventions can be achived through radio,hormonal and specific inhibiors
  • Tumour treatments varies on each individuals

Cancers Therapeutic Response

  • In the case of Curative Therapies, the treatment options are (CHEmo alone)- chemo+surgery or palliative
  • In chemotherapy we aim to shrink the to treat

How Chemotherapy Works

  • Chemotheray drug goal are to srink /eliminate,eradict and /or symptom related
  • Chemo drugs is evaluated
  • CANCER: The fraction of gell/cycling stage detmines effectivness
  • Drugs affect the general health of those who come to its side effects

How cancer Affects Us

  • Cell replication may have to face tummor as result of cancer
  • Side effet has to be in the toxcity (reducinng risk)
  • Cell Cycle S and NonS
  • AFFECT in the bone marrow, hair, blood and fetus for those those of child bearing
  • Chemo is to kill cancer cells by appototosis

CANCER and CCS/NCCS

  • CELL CYCLE SPECIIC are G and S and
  • NON SPECIFIC DRUGS are what they are named Chemo depends on 2 ways: 1 PHASES/1 DOSE+EFFECT

Classes of AntiCancer Drugs

  • Most agents effect normal cells and
  • Agents includes Multiple regirnts and optization for PK as well
  • Fraction Kill is meant to allow effecticvenes kill. and avoid resistance as treatment is in CYCLES

Fractional Kill and Schedule Dependence

  • Phase specic agents/ non speicific agents,
  • Tumor heterogenity: Fractional kill is as result of .tumor

Mechanism of Actions and Drug Classes

  • Anti Metabol: s PHASE These have been to kill cancer-
  1. Affect the nucleotide
  • Similar molecules as cells
  • prevent cell gorwmh and is targeted( RNA-DNA)

Folate Antagonist, Action and uses

  • MTX, to be activated , inhibits dihydrofolate r
  • Enxymes are target to pyrimides which affects the synthesis
  • cell groeth is block, used in lymphtic lekimia.

More on TX

  • Inhibit enzymes and has THF analogie
  • DNA and runa synthe can in normal and gl/blood

Purine Agonist, Structure and action

  • Chemucad to biild RNA
  • prevwnt dnar replication

Theiromurine Action

  • The 6MP+TG actiiviated in TPMT .

Why TPMT matter

  • Important action in bio avialablility

TPMT polymorphism

Polymorphic variations. WW/MM is the one to remiain at all which helps metabolzer

  • Mutatiin and toxicity
  • Dose of toxicity and relation matters and helps with understanding treatment

Pyrimide antagonists

  • Block synthesis and
  • Interveens with protein synthesis such as FLU

Chemi-Mitosis

The spindle and function attach into the cell

INHIBITORS are

Microtubule.

Cytonskteleteal

  • Paclitazel/Docatel and
  • Vinca and vinisidine both inhibits as the side effect

Mechanism of TOPosmerse

  • They inhitits the function.and change dna function +structure

Hormone Theraputics ( G1 PHASE)

  • STARWE CANCER cell from hormal signal TARGET HORMONE AT target cells
  • Breast ovanina and endometrial

Type of Hormone antagonist

  • Serums selectove adrogens to target Androgen receptor

Types of Steroids

Receptor estrogen/ and has change or expression , preventting cell divion

  • Drugs :tamoxfien, raloxifene

Seruma side Effect is

dependent ,c2d.3

  • CYPE Polymorphism , side effetivness

SERUMS is the adnvced stage/tumor

Aromatse is used to

Letrozele side effect to prevent hormone. or drug

The Combinational Thereay

The goal is to find an active agent by itself, or actiive is diff stage

Goal of Multi Drug treatment

  • Recruitment/ synchornzation as more specific srategies
  • Synergistic effects which decreased taxotiicty or Decrease resistance
  • Broader kills (tumour)
  • Non hogkin

Non Hodgking and the use

It is an aressive method that utilize combination drug and Rituximb. Cyclo phosphamide, hudroxy and predinsome which limits toxicity

Types of cells and resistance

  • Resistance of drugs. to enter cancer cell

Factors involved

Increased expression , in failure or increased

New Gene and The rapoteuc

  • Taret spercific enyzmes (kimnases) New generations drugs as well as last resort

How Angiogensis works

It taters the grwoth of endothelial in the tumor w/low

  • It is mainly a way in whcih one can use angiogenesis
  • Gene based method for drug orradtiations of surgery to attack

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