Cell Cycle and Cancer Chemotherapy Quiz
46 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which phase of the cell cycle is characterized by the synthesis of DNA?

  • G2 phase
  • M phase
  • S phase (correct)
  • G0 phase
  • What primarily regulates the cell cycle to prevent excessive proliferation of normal cells?

  • Proto-oncogenes and cell division signals
  • Tumor suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes (correct)
  • External growth factors and cytokines
  • Apoptosis and cellular aging mechanisms
  • What is a characteristic feature of cancer cells in terms of growth signals?

  • They are highly regulated by apoptosis
  • They become less dependent on external stimulatory signals (correct)
  • They have a limited replication potential
  • They require external growth factors for proliferation
  • What is the result of an imbalance between stimulatory and inhibitory growth signals during carcinogenesis?

    <p>Transformation of normal cells into cancer cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of telomerase in cancer cell proliferation?

    <p>It enables cancer cells to proliferate endlessly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of alkylating agents in chemotherapy?

    <p>To cross-link DNA strands (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is classified as an antimetabolite in chemotherapy?

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

    How do phase-specific agents in chemotherapy work?

    <p>They target specific phases of the cell cycle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of therapy does Tamoxifen represent?

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

    Which chemotherapy drug is a topoisomerase inhibitor?

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

    What is the main action of antitumor antibiotics such as Doxorubicin?

    <p>Membrane lipid peroxidation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which phase of the cell cycle do vinca alkaloids exert their effect?

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

    Which component does NOT represent a type of systemic therapy?

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

    What is the primary function of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists like leuprolide?

    <p>To treat prostate cancer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a standard treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)?

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

    What is the purpose of administering G-CSF in chemotherapy patients?

    <p>To stimulate neutrophil production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason for administering glucocorticoids like prednisone in cancer treatment?

    <p>To reduce inflammation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is recommended to manage fever or neutropenia in cancer patients?

    <p>Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor contributing to the decline in breast cancer incidence from 1999 through 2004?

    <p>Decreased use of hormone-replacement therapy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Breast cancer most commonly arises from which structures in the breast?

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

    Which of the following agents is NOT considered a miscellaneous anticancer agent?

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

    Which of the following types of breast cancer is classified as invasive?

    <p>Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered a significant risk factor for breast cancer related to personal history?

    <p>Family history of breast cancer (first-degree relatives) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptom is most commonly identified during the early stages of breast cancer?

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

    What radiological examination is performed to confirm the abnormality after a mass is palpated?

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

    Which combination of factors is primarily assessed to determine the stage of breast cancer?

    <p>Size of the tumor, positive lymph nodes, and extent of disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of metastatic breast cancer?

    <p>Skin rash on the breast (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does early menarche influence the risk of breast cancer?

    <p>By leading to prolonged estrogen exposure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a bone scan in the diagnosis of breast cancer?

    <p>To evaluate for metastatic disease (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common type of invasive breast cancer?

    <p>Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage of breast cancer has the best prognosis?

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

    What differentiates inflammatory breast cancer from other types?

    <p>It presents with skin changes resembling cellulitis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is described as being administered before surgery?

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

    What is the 5-year survival rate for stage IV breast cancer?

    <p>Approximately 26% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a modality of breast cancer treatment?

    <p>Folic acid therapy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by a breast that has the appearance of an orange peel?

    <p>Inflammatory breast cancer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is stage II breast cancer characterized in terms of tumor and lymph nodes?

    <p>Small tumors with lymph node involvement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common toxicity associated with Doxorubicin?

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

    What is the mechanism of action of Cyclophosphamide?

    <p>Inhibition of DNA synthesis through cross-linking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of therapy is Trastuzumab classified as?

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

    Which agent should be premedicated with dexamethasone and H1 and H2 blockers to avoid hypersensitivity reactions?

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

    Which of the following toxicities is associated with the use of Tamoxifen?

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

    For which group of patients is Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) specifically indicated?

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

    What is a typical regimen for HER2 positive tumors?

    <p>Doxorubicin followed by Trastuzumab and Paclitaxel (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists?

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

    Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    S Phase

    The stage in the cell cycle where DNA is replicated, ensuring each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material.

    G2 Phase

    The stage where the cell prepares for division, synthesizing proteins and other molecules necessary for mitosis.

    Carcinogenesis

    The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells, characterized by uncontrolled growth and division.

    Proto-oncogenes

    Genes that normally promote cell growth and division, but when mutated, can contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Tumor Suppressor Genes

    Genes that normally suppress cell growth and division, acting like brakes to prevent uncontrolled cell growth in cancer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Systemic Therapy

    A type of cancer treatment that targets rapidly dividing cells throughout the body.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Chemotherapy

    A type of systemic therapy that uses drugs to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA or interfering with their cell division process.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Phase-Specific Agents

    Chemotherapy drugs that specifically target a particular phase of the cell cycle, such as the S phase or M phase.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Phase-Nonspecific Agents

    Chemotherapy drugs that can affect any phase of the cell cycle.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Alkylating Agents

    A class of chemotherapy drugs that work by cross-linking DNA strands, preventing cell division.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Antimetabolites

    A class of chemotherapy drugs that mimic essential building blocks needed by cells to replicate their DNA, disrupting their growth.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Plant-Derived Chemotherapeutic Drugs

    A class of chemotherapy drugs derived from plants, disrupting microtubules responsible for cell division.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Topoisomerase Inhibitors

    A class of chemotherapy drugs that inhibit topoisomerases, enzymes essential for DNA unwinding and replication.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?

    Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is a type of breast cancer where cancerous cells grow in the milk ducts and invade the surrounding tissue.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)?

    Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a type of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the milk ducts but haven't spread to the surrounding tissue.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)?

    Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer where cancerous cells spread in a single file line from the lobules to the surrounding tissue.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)?

    Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a type of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lobules but haven't spread to the surrounding tissue.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Who is more likely to have breast cancer?

    Breast cancer is more common in women than men.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are some risk factors for breast cancer?

    Factors that increase a person's risk of developing breast cancer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are some symptoms of breast cancer?

    A painless lump in the breast, nipple changes, or skin abnormalities are common symptoms of breast cancer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How is breast cancer diagnosed?

    Radiographic tests, biopsies, and physical examinations are used for diagnosing breast cancer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

    The most common type of invasive breast cancer, accounting for about 75% of cases.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

    A less common type of invasive breast cancer, representing about 5-10% of cases.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

    This type of breast cancer doesn't invade surrounding tissue, but can become invasive.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

    This type of breast cancer doesn't invade surrounding tissue, but can become invasive.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Inflammatory Breast Cancer

    The most aggressive form of breast cancer, characterized by rapid growth and spread.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Neoadjuvant Therapy

    Treatment given before surgery to shrink the tumor.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Adjuvant Therapy

    Treatment given after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Surgery for Breast Cancer

    The definitive treatment for early-stage breast cancer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How do GnRH agonists treat prostate cancer?

    GnRH agonist (like leuprolide) can slow down prostate cancer growth, either alone or combined with a drug that blocks androgen receptors (like flutamide).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are glucocorticoids used for in cancer treatment?

    Glucocorticoids (like prednisone) are used to fight certain blood cancers, as well as advanced breast and prostate cancers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are tyrosine kinase inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, and VEGF inhibitors?

    These drugs target cancer cells, often by blocking specific molecules or pathways that are important for cancer growth and spread.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How do monoclonal antibodies work in cancer treatment?

    Monoclonal antibodies like rituximab can target specific proteins on cancer cells, leading to their destruction.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Why are anti-nausea drugs important in chemotherapy?

    Anti-nausea drugs (5HT3 antagonists) are crucial to managing the side effects of chemotherapy, which is often a major source of discomfort for patients.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What's the typical approach to pain control during cancer treatment?

    Pain control during cancer treatment often involves a combination of morphine-like drugs (opiates) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    How is bone marrow suppression addressed during cancer treatment?

    Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) make patients vulnerable to infection, so antibiotics are crucial. Growth factors like G-CSF can help boost white blood cell production.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are the options for managing anemia caused by chemotherapy?

    Blood transfusions or erythropoietin (which stimulates red blood cell production) are used to address anemia, a common side effect of chemotherapy.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

    A common chemotherapy drug that inhibits topoisomerase II, leading to double-strand DNA breaks and inhibiting cell division. It is effective in multiple cancer types, particularly breast cancer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

    A chemotherapy drug that forms DNA cross-links, disrupting DNA synthesis and preventing cell division. It is commonly used in breast cancer but has a risk of secondary leukemias.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Paclitaxel (Taxol)

    A taxane chemotherapy drug that inhibits microtubule polymerization during cell division, effectively stopping the cell from replicating. It is particularly active in treating lymph-node positive breast cancers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Trastuzumab (Herceptin)

    A monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein, inhibiting its growth and promoting cancer cell death. Commonly used in HER2-positive breast cancer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

    A class of drugs that selectively modulate estrogen receptors, aiming to prevent estrogen from binding to cancer cells and promoting growth. Commonly used in estrogen receptor positive breast cancers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer

    Hormonal therapy for breast cancers that are positive for estrogen receptors (ER) and/or progesterone receptors (PR). It aims to reduce estrogen production in the body.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)

    A class of drugs that block the aromatase enzyme, the primary enzyme responsible for estrogen production in postmenopausal women. Often used to treat ER- and PR- positive breast cancers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) Agonists

    A group of drugs that mimic the natural hormone luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), leading to suppression of ovarian function and reduced estrogen production. Used in premenopausal women with ER and PR positive breast cancers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Clinical Pharmacy I, PP904, Lecture 9: Supportive Care of Oncological Diseases

    • This lecture covers supportive care of oncological diseases.
    • The lecturer is Dr. Nashwa Eltantawy, a lecturer of Clinical Pharmacy at the Egyptian Chinese University.
    • Office hours are Monday, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

    Marks Distribution

    • Periodical Exam: 20 marks
    • Practical Project: 10 marks
    • Lab Evaluation: 5 marks
    • Practical (OSCE): 10 marks
    • Practical Final Exam: 15 marks
    • Final Written Exam: 75 marks
    • Oral Exam: 15 marks
    • Total: 150 marks

    Course Outline

    • Introduction to clinical Pharmacy facilities
    • Clinical Case presentation
    • Clinical laboratory data and physical examination
    • Therapeutic planning
    • Drug-related problems
    • Medication errors & Reconciliation
    • Special care populations (geriatric, pediatric)
    • Special care populations (pregnancy, Hepatic)
    • Supportive care of oncological diseases
    • Supportive care of blood disorders
    • Supportive care of nutritional deficiencies
    • Medication Therapy management services

    Cancer

    • Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
    • Cancer cells do not respond to normal processes of cell growth, proliferation, and survival.
    • They cannot carry out the physiological functions of normal cells.
    • Cancer cells metastasize (invade adjacent normal tissues and travel through the blood or lymph to establish new tumors at a distant site).
    • Cancer cells stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
    • Cancer cells have endless replication potential.
    • Cancer is related to various factors including sex, age, race, genetic predisposition, exposure to environmental carcinogens (ionizing radiation, chemical carcinogens in tobacco smoke, azo dyes, aflatoxins, asbestos, benzene), viruses (chronic infection with HBV and HCV, HIV, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)), and oncogenes.

    Pathophysiology of normal cells (Growth and Proliferation)

    • Signal transduction coordinates and integrates cellular signaling processes.
    • Growth factors bind to receptors.
    • This activates a series of enzymes in the cell.
    • It stimulates cell signaling pathways.
    • This controls gene transcription, which encodes proteins regulating cell growth and proliferation.

    Pathophysiology: Malignant Transformation

    • Cancer is a genetic disease.
    • Damage to cellular DNA results in mutations leading to oncogenes and loss/inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.
    • Oncogenes are genes whose overactivity leads to cancer development.
    • Proto-oncogenes are normal genes.
    • Genetic alterations (chromosomal translocations, deletions, insertions, point mutations) can transform proto-oncogenes into oncogenes.
    • Abnormal forms or excessive quantities of stimulatory proteins disrupt normal cell growth signaling pathways.
    • This leads to excessive growth and proliferation, resulting in malignant transformation.

    Pathophysiology: Gene Mutation

    • Substitution, insertion, and deletion are types of gene mutations.
    • A change in one DNA nucleotide base results in a completely different amino acid sequence.

    Pathophysiology: Tumor Suppressor Genes & DNA Repair Genes

    • Tumor suppressor genes encode proteins that suppress inappropriate cell division or growth.
    • Deletions or mutations in tumor suppressor genes can cause inappropriate cell division or growth
    • DNA repair genes encode proteins correcting errors arising during DNA duplication.
    • Mutations in DNA repair genes cause accumulation of genetic changes and cancer progression.
    • Cancer development is a multistep process involving multiple genetic mutations (activation of oncogenes and loss/inactivation of tumor suppressor genes).

    Pathophysiology: Transformation of a single normal cell

    • The transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell is an initial event.
    • Environmental factors (lifestyle, diet, sexual behavior), medical therapies (cytotoxic chemotherapy, immunosuppressive or radiation therapy), and hereditary factors (genetics) contribute to this.

    Pathophysiology: Tumors

    • Tumors can arise from epithelial, connective (muscle, bone, cartilage), lymphoid, or nerve tissue.
    • Benign tumors are encapsulated and localized.
    • The suffix "-oma" is added to the name of the cell type.
    • Malignant cells are categorized based on their origin: carcinomas (epithelial cells), sarcomas (muscle or connective tissue), adenocarcinomas (glandular tissue), leukemias (bone marrow), lymphomas (lymphoid tissue).

    Tumor Characteristics

    • Benign tumors are encapsulated, localized, indolent, seldom metastasize, and rarely recur.
    • Malignant tumors are invasive, spread to other locations even if the primary tumor is removed, have loss of structure and function (anaplasia), and can metastasize, rendering cancer incurable once metastasized.

    Diagnosis and Staging of Cancer

    • Various tests are performed based on initial diagnosis.
    • Laboratory tests (CBC, LDH, renal/liver function), radiologic scans (X-rays, CT scans, MRI, PET), biopsy of tissue/bone marrow, and genetic analysis are used.
    • Tumor markers may also be considered.

    Cancer Staging

    • Staging of the disease is done before treatment and determines the extent/spread of the disease.
    • Staging is performed for solid tumors.
    • The TNM system is used for staging breast cancers (evaluating tumor size [T], lymph node status [N], metastasis [M]).

    Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer

    • Continued unexplained weight loss.
    • Headaches with vomiting, early morning/night.
    • Increased swelling or pain in bones, joints, back, legs.
    • Lump/mass in abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis, armpits.
    • Development of excessive bruising, bleeding, rash.
    • Constant infections.
    • Whitish color behind the pupil, persistent nausea, vomiting.
    • Constant tiredness, noticeable paleness.
    • Vision changes, sudden occurrence and persistence.
    • Recurrent fevers of unknown origin.

    Clinical Presentation

    • Initial signs and symptoms of malignant disease vary and depend on histology/diagnosis, location (including metastases), and tumor size.
    • Commonly presented symptoms: non-specific complaints (weight loss, unexplained anemia, malaise, lethargy, pain; specific localizing symptoms such as bleeding, ulcer, cough/hoarseness, painful lump; painless lump).

    Treatment

    • Cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, etc.).
    • Surgery is used for localized tumors (removal of tumor plus margin of normal tissue).
    • Radiation therapy is used for solid tumors based on different factors like tissue type and therapy intent. Radiation may be given before or after surgery (neoadjuvant or adjuvant).
    • Systemic therapy (chemotherapy) is used for widespread metastatic disease or recurrence after initial treatment. Different types exist: chemotherapy, targeted therapy, endocrine therapy, and biological response modifiers (e.g. hormones).

    Chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy (cytotoxic therapy) targets rapidly dividing cells by damaging DNA, interfering with DNA synthesis, or inhibiting cell division.
    • Agents can be targeted to a specific phase or any phase of the cell cycle.
    • Some examples of anticancer drugs: alkylating agents, antimetabolites, natural products, antitumor antibiotics, hormones, miscellaneous agents.
    • Treatments involving Doxorubicin have different mechanisms and common side effects: myelosuppression, nausea/vomiting, alopecia, and cardiomyopathy.
    • Treatments involving Cyclophosphamide have different mechanisms and common side effects: myelosuppression, nausea/vomiting, alopecia, and risk of secondary leukemias.
    • Treatments involving Paclitaxel have side effects such as myelosuppression, nausea/vomiting, and hypersensitivity reactions.
    • Treatments involving Trastuzumab have a mechanism of targeting the extracellular HER2 protein commonly used in lymph node- +ve disease and common side effect is cardiotoxicity.

    Hormonal Therapy

    • Hormone therapy is given to patients with ER- and/or PR+ve disease.
    • It can include SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators), LH-RH agonists(luteinizing hormones releasing hormones), and AIs (aromatase inhibitors)
    • Tamoxifen is a SERM used in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women and has side effects like hot flashes, vaginal discharge, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and strokes.
    • LH-RH agonists (e.g., leuprolide) are used in premenopausal patients.
    • Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) are used in postmenopausal patients to inhibit estrogen production.

    Breast Cancer (Incidence, Prevalence, Epidemiology, Risk Factors)

    • Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, second to lung cancer in mortality.
    • It develops from breast tissues like ducts and lobules.
    • Can affect men as well.
    • Incidence has decreased since 1999 due to reduced hormone therapy use.
    • Early diagnosis leads to higher survival rates.
    • Risk factors include gender (female>male), personal/family history of breast cancer, benign breast changes (atypical hyperplasia), early menarche/late menopause, late first pregnancy, advancing age, long-term hormone replacement therapy use, prior chest wall irradiation, obesity, and high-fat diets.

    Breast Cancer (Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis)

    • The breast consists of fat, muscle, ducts, and lobules.
    • Common types are: ductal carcinoma, invasive ductal carcinoma, DCIS, lobular carcinoma/ILC/LCIS.
    • Other types: Inflammatory, tubular/medullary carcinomas, sarcomas.
    • Common clinical presentation: painless lump (more common), non-specific complaints (weight loss, anemia, malaise, lethargy, pain), some specific symptoms (specific localizing symptom; non-healing ulcer, minor symptoms like cough/hoarseness).
    • Diagnosis: physical examination to identify a lump/abnormality in breast. Mammogram, breast ultrasound, biopsy, and radiologic exams (CT scan, bone scan/chest/pelvis) are used to diagnose metastatic disease.

    Breast Cancer (Types of Breast Cancer and Staging)

    • Treatment depends on disease stage.
    • Staging determines the size of the tumor, extent of positive lymph nodes, and presence of metastases.
    • Histological types: invasive disease (IDC most common, ILC is second), noninvasive (in situ disease – DCIS and LCIS).
    • Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive.
    • The time to develop a palpable or mammographically detectable mass varies, with IBC developing in weeks.

    Breast Cancer (Cancer Staging for Breast Cancer)

    • Staging in breast cancer uses a TNM system where T is the tumor size, N is lymph node involvement, and M is presence of metastasis.
    • Different stages of breast cancer have different prognoses. Stage I has a ~98% 5-year survival rate, while stage IV has ~26% 5-year survival rate.

    Breast Cancer (Overview of Treatment, Local Treatment, Systemic Therapy, Adjuvant)

    • Treatment involves multiple modalities like surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and biologic therapies.
    • Local treatment (surgery and radiation): Surgery is the definitive treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Modified radical mastectomy removes the entire breast along with axillary lymph nodes, preserving pectoralis muscles. Radiation is sometimes prescribed for tumors larger than 5 cm or patients with >4 positive lymph nodes or positive margins. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may shrink the tumor for breast-conserving procedures.
    • Systemic therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal, biologic therapies): This is used to treat systemic disease or recurrence. Lymph node negative disease with favorable prognostic factors (hormone-positive disease): hormonal therapy without chemotherapy is an option. Lymph node negative disease with poor prognostic factors (hormone-negative disease): chemotherapy may be used with or without trastuzumab. Lymph node-positive disease and tumors larger than 1cm: systemic therapy (chemotherapy and often hormonal therapy) is considered.
    • Different regimens, such as combining anthracyclines, alkylating agents, and fluorouracil, are used for adjuvant chemotherapy. If the patient also has HER2-positive disease, trastuzumab is commonly included in the treatment.

    Symptom Control & Chemotherapy Toxicity

    • Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is managed using serotonin antagonists.
    • Opiates and NSAIDs are used to manage pain.
    • Bone marrow suppression and related complications (infections, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia) are managed with antibiotics, blood transfusions if needed, and prophylactic measures.
    • Specific side effects of doxorubicin include cardiomyopathy, those of cyclophosphamide include risk of secondary leukemias, and those of paclitaxel include myelosuppression and hypersensitivity reactions and cardiotoxicity.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the phases of the cell cycle, cancer cell characteristics, and various chemotherapy drugs. This quiz covers key concepts including DNA synthesis, growth signal regulation, and the mechanisms of action of different cancer treatments. Explore the relationships between cellular processes and pharmacological interventions in oncology.

    More Like This

    Cell Cycle and Cancer Development
    10 questions
    Cell Cycle and Cancer
    23 questions
    Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology
    37 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser