Week 11 - Cancer Growth, Regulation, and Treatment
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason why tumors require angiogenesis?

  • To induce apoptosis in surrounding tissues
  • To stimulate the growth of inflammatory cells
  • To deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tumor cells (correct)
  • To remove nutrients from the surrounding blood vessels
  • What characterizes blood vessels in growing cancers?

  • They are highly branched and complex
  • They are absent and non-functional
  • They are abnormal and leaky (correct)
  • They are normal and functional
  • What is the role of endothelial cells in tumor growth?

  • They induce apoptosis in tumor cells
  • They secrete growth factors and contribute to tumor growth (correct)
  • They inhibit tumor growth
  • They are neutral and do not affect tumor growth
  • What is the result of leaky blood vessels in tumors?

    <p>Increased access of cancer cells to distant transport</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What controls angiogenesis in tumors?

    <p>A balance between angiogenesis promoters and inhibitors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who are the producers of angiogenesis activators?

    <p>Tumor cells, inflammatory cells, and other stromal cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can release proangiogenic basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF) stored in the ECM?

    <p>Proteases from tumor cells or stromal cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are angiogenesis inhibitors produced?

    <p>By proteolytic cleavage of plasminogen and collagen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the zone that represents the maximal distance across which oxygen, nutrients, and waste can diffuse from blood vessels?

    <p>1- to 2-mm zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to tumors that do not induce angiogenesis early in their development?

    <p>They remain small or in situ, possibly for years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of a 'gain-of-function' mutation in a signaling pathway?

    <p>The proto-oncogene is converted to an oncogene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following proteins is an example of an oncoprotein that promotes cell growth?

    <p>RAS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal function of CDKIs?

    <p>To inhibit cell growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of a loss-of-function mutation in a CDKI?

    <p>Cell growth is promoted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the protein resulting from the translocation of the ABL gene in CML?

    <p>BCR-ABL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal function of proto-oncogenes?

    <p>To promote cell growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hallmark of cancer refers to cancer cells' ability to grow without external signals?

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

    What mechanism allows cancer cells to avoid programmed cell death?

    <p>Evasion of apoptosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hallmark of cancer involves increased blood vessel formation to supply nutrients to tumors?

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

    How do cancer cells typically behave towards their surrounding cellular environment?

    <p>Profit from resources while evading control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of cancer cells allows them to persist and multiply despite systemic challenges?

    <p>Evasion of immune surveillance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of genomic instability in cancer cells?

    <p>Higher likelihood of mutations and adaptations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement regarding tumor suppressor genes is true?

    <p>They inhibit cell cycle progression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the retinoblastoma gene (RB)?

    <p>To block transcription of S phase genes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cancers is NOT commonly associated with biallelic loss of the retinoblastoma gene (RB)?

    <p>Prostate cancer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the TP53 gene often referred to as the 'guardian of the genome'?

    <p>It plays a role in apoptosis and DNA repair.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of human cancers feature defects in the TP53 gene?

    <p>More than 70%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does a mutation in the retinoblastoma gene (RB) affect its function?

    <p>It decreases its efficiency in blocking progression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What comparison do cancer stem cells have to normal stem cells in terms of therapy resistance?

    <p>Inherent resistance to conventional therapies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to genomic instability in cancer cells?

    <p>High frequency of DNA replication errors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is associated with inherited mutations in DNA repair systems?

    <p>Xeroderma pigmentosum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?

    <p>Involvement in DNA repair mechanisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of genomic instability is commonly observed in certain carcinomas, such as colon cancer?

    <p>Alterations in lengths of short repeats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes 'fragile sites' within the genome?

    <p>Sites that are more prone to breakage during replication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of p53 protein when DNA damage occurs?

    <p>Induce apoptosis or senescence if DNA repair fails</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a consequence of p53 mutation or inhibition?

    <p>Uncontrolled cell proliferation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of E6 protein from high-risk human papillomaviruses in relation to p53?

    <p>It inhibits p53 activity to suppress apoptosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does loss of cell-cell contact contribute to cell proliferation?

    <p>It releases β-catenin into the nucleus, stimulating proliferation genes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of p53 activation?

    <p>Angiogenesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a mechanism by which p53 prevents tumor development?

    <p>By inducing cell cycle arrest and DNA repair</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of cancer that can be identified through history taking?

    <p>Bleeding or blood in sputum, stool, or urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a diagnostic technique used in the laboratory diagnosis of cancer?

    <p>Fine needle aspiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a type of antigen that can be used in the diagnosis of cancer? (MACA)

    <p>Tumor-associated antigen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important aspect of treating malignancy?

    <p>A well-informed patient is extremely important</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be observed during the examination of a patient with suspected cancer?

    <p>Clubbing of fingers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a type of test used in the laboratory diagnosis of cancer? (MACA)

    <p>Histological test</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why must a doctor understand carcinogens and factors causing malignancy?

    <p>To counsel patients on avoiding them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should a Doctor of Chiropractic recognize as potential indicators of neoplasia?

    <p>Changes in soft tissue tone, stiffness, and adhesions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which locations are identified as common sites of metastasis?

    <p>Liver, lung, and brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does an alteration in local tissue tone potentially indicate?

    <p>Possible presence of metastasis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it significant for a Doctor of Chiropractic to recognize lymphatic-rich areas?

    <p>Changes may indicate possible neoplasia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does knowledge of malignancy-predisposing conditions play for a doctor?

    <p>It helps identify potential risk factors in patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might palpation of alterations in joint areas signify?

    <p>Possible association with neoplasia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can local tissue tone alterations influence the likelihood of metastasis?

    <p>They suggest an increased risk for metastasis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a primary treatment modality for cancer?

    <p>Physical Therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an alternative immune stimulation method used in cancer treatment?

    <p>Hyperthermia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a type of molecule that can be used to stimulate the immune system in cancer treatment? (MACA)

    <p>miRNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to spontaneous remission of cancer?

    <p>Genetic mutations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why a doctor of chiropractic should be aware of the signs and symptoms of neoplasia?

    <p>To be able to refer patients to appropriate specialists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of knowing about neoplasia for a doctor of chiropractic?

    <p>Performing manual adjustments to treat cancer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality?

    <p>Invasion and metastasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the process of invasion?

    <p>Loosening of cell-cell contacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the enzyme overexpressed in malignant tumors of the breast, colon, and stomach?

    <p>Type IV collagenase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of ECM degradation in invasion?

    <p>Release of stored growth factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of ECM alterations in invasion?

    <p>Increased aberrant crosslink and stiffness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of tumor cells recognized by the immune system as nonself?

    <p>Presence of antigens associated with normal tissue function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism of antitumor activity mediated by T cells?

    <p>Direct cell-mediated cytotoxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is TRUE regarding the role of natural killer (NK) cells in antitumor immunity?

    <p>NK cells can kill tumor cells without prior sensitization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to the evasion of the immune system by tumor cells?

    <p>Increased expression of tumor-associated antigens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of immune cells are primarily responsible for the osteolytic nature of bone metastases in breast cancer?

    <p>Osteoclasts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism allows tumors to evade the immune system through the alteration of antigen expression?

    <p>Reduced expression of histocompatibility molecules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a direct consequence of chronic inflammation induced by necrosis?

    <p>Systemic signs such as fatigue and anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to the immunosuppressive environment in tumors?

    <p>Secretion of TGF-β</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do infiltrating leukocytes and stromal cells contribute to tumor growth?

    <p>They release factors that promote ECM degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism is associated with the switch of macrophages to M2 phenotype in tumor environments?

    <p>Immunosuppressive factors from tumor cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of integrins in tumor cells regarding apoptosis and oncogene stimulation?

    <p>Integrins alter responses to avoid apoptosis and stimulate oncogenes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is necessary for the movement and migration of cancer cells?

    <p>A stiff support matrix along with chemotactic factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to tumor cells once they are in circulation?

    <p>They are vulnerable to destruction due to various stresses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is organ tropism in the context of tumor cells?

    <p>The tendency of tumor cells to express chemokine receptors for specific organs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor may contribute to the dormancy of established metastases?

    <p>Secretion of cytokines and growth factors by metastatic cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Induction and Activation of Nuclear Regulatory Factors

    • Initiate and regulate DNA transcription and biosynthesis of cellular components for cell division
    • Include synthesis of ribosomes, organelles, membrane components, and cell cycle regulatory proteins

    Autocrine Stimulation and Cell Cycle Progression

    • Cells produce their own growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor α (TGF-α)
    • Stimulate stroma to increase production of growth factors, mostly through PAMP and DAMP signals
    • Cells can also have receptor "gain-of-function" mutations, leading to over-expression or altered functioning of growth factor receptors

    Insensitivity to Growth-Inhibitory Signals

    • Tumor suppressor genes, such as retinoblastoma gene (RB) and TP53, regulate cell cycle progression and arrest
    • Loss of function or mutation in these genes can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division
    • TP53 is often referred to as the "guardian of the genome"

    Evasion of Apoptosis

    • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, occurs through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways
    • Overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins, such as BCL2, can inhibit apoptosis and promote cancer cell survival
    • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy kill cancer cells by inducing apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway

    Limitless Replicative Potential (Immortality)

    • Normal cells have a limited replicative potential due to telomere shortening, leading to mitotic crisis and death
    • Cancer cells often maintain telomere length through telomerase upregulation or alternative mechanisms, allowing for infinite replication
    • Cancer stem cells, which have self-renewal capabilities, are thought to be present in all types of cancers

    Sustained Angiogenesis

    • Tumors require a blood supply for oxygen and nutrient delivery, as well as waste removal
    • Tumors stimulate angiogenesis, leading to the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels
    • Angiogenesis is regulated by a balance of promoters and inhibitors, including factors produced by tumor cells, inflammatory cells, and stromal cells

    Hallmarks of Cancer

    • Self-sufficiency in growth signals
      • Growth factor binds to specific membrane receptor
      • Activated receptor triggers signal proteins, leading to transmission of signal across cytosol and into the nucleus
      • Parallel metabolic changes and correlation with other signals, including mechanical tension, PAMP, and DAMP
      • Signaling path "gain-of-function" can convert proto-oncogenes to oncogenes
    • Insensitivity to growth-inhibitory signals
      • Retinoblastoma gene (RB) regulates cell cycle progression and is often lost in various tumors
      • TP53 gene regulates cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis in response to DNA damage, hypoxia, and telomere shortening
      • Loss of contact inhibition leads to uncontrolled proliferation
    • Altered cellular metabolism
    • Evasion of apoptosis
    • Limitless replicative potential (immortality)
    • Sustained angiogenesis
    • Invasion and metastasis
    • Evasion of immune surveillance
    • Genomic instability
    • Tumor-promoting inflammation

    Self-Sufficiency in Growth Signals

    • Growth signals are normally temporary and limited
    • Activated growth factor receptors lead to gain-of-function mutations, promoting cell growth and proliferation
    • Examples of oncogenes: RAS (30% of all studied cancers), RAF, PI3K, AKT
    • BCR-ABL protein in CML responds well to BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors like imatinib

    Insensitivity to Growth-Inhibitory Signals

    • Retinoblastoma gene (RB) is a tumor suppressor gene that regulates cell cycle progression
    • TP53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene that triggers cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis in response to DNA damage
    • Loss of contact inhibition leads to uncontrolled proliferation
    • Cancer stem cells are hard to identify and may arise from normal stem cells or acquired genetic lesions

    Genomic Instability

    • High frequency of mutations within the genome of a cell line
    • DNA is most vulnerable during replication, and "fragile sites" may exist along exposed chromatin
    • Inherited mutations of genes involved in DNA repair systems increase the risk of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases
    • Examples of genes involved in DNA repair: BRCA1, BRCA2, and xeroderma pigmentosum

    Diagnosis of Cancer

    • Exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, pesticides, and other substances at work, home, or during travel can be a risk factor
    • Symptoms include unexplained growths, lumps, bleeding, or blood in sputum, stool, or urine
    • Changes in bowel or bladder habits, visible moles, discharge, hoarseness, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing can also be indicative of cancer
    • Unusual coughing or other persisting symptoms should be investigated

    Examination

    • Inspection: obvious changes in warts or moles, sores that don't heal, anemia, hypoxia, clubbing nails, and thromboflebitis
    • Auscultation: listening to lung and abdominal sounds for signs of obstruction
    • Palpation: feeling for growths, lumps, or changes in tissue firmness, including palpating lymph nodes at joints

    Laboratory Diagnosis of Cancer

    • Histological diagnosis: examination of cytological samples, fine needle aspiration, and biopsy
    • Biochemical assays: measuring levels of substances like prostate-specific antigen, human chorionic gonadotropin, and catecholamine metabolites
    • Receptor analysis and tumor antigen tests, including tests for MAGE-1 and other tumor-associated antigens

    Treatment of Malignancy

    • Treatment is not usually an emergency, and patients should be well-informed and keep a journal
    • Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, molecular therapies, and alternative immune stimulation may be used
    • Immune stimulation approaches include PAMP/TLR, hyperthermia, miRNA, and spontaneous remission

    Importance for the Doctor of Chiropractic

    • Recognizing symptoms and signs of neoplasia is essential for early diagnosis and referral
    • Knowing about carcinogens and factors causing malignancy can help with patient counseling
    • Understanding conditions that predispose to malignancy can inform patient care
    • Palpating soft tissue tone alteration, stiffness, and/or adhesions can be a sign of possible neoplasia
    • Joint areas are lymphatic-rich and may be associated with neoplasia
    • Liver, lung, and brain are common sites of metastasis, and alterations in local tissue tone may indicate their presence

    Invasion and Metastasis

    • Complex interactions between cancer cells and normal stroma lead to invasion and metastasis, the major causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
    • Only a few metastases are produced despite millions of cells being released into the circulation each day from a primary tumor.
    • Invasion occurs in four steps:
      • Loosening of cell-cell contacts: inactivation, alterations, or downregulation of epithelial surface proteins and intercellular adhesion molecules (e.g., cadherins).
      • Basement membranes and ECM degradation: mediated by proteolytic enzymes (matrix metalloproteases and cathepsins), release of stored growth factors, and reduced concentrations of metalloproteinase inhibitors.
      • ECM alterations: fragmented ECM fibers expose different adhesion sites, increased stiffness, and altered integrin response.
      • Locomotion/migration: tumor cells attach to the matrix at the leading edge, detach at the trailing edge, and contract the actin cytoskeleton to ratchet forward.

    Vascular Dissemination and Homing of Tumor Cells

    • Many tumors arrest in the first capillary bed they encounter (e.g., lung and liver).
    • Tumor cells in circulation are vulnerable to destruction (mechanical shear stress, apoptosis, and immune defenses).
    • Tumor cells tend to aggregate in clumps due to adhesions among tumor cells and between tumor cells and blood cells (particularly platelets).
    • Some tumors show organ tropism due to expression of adhesion or chemokine receptors whose ligands are expressed by endothelial cells at the metastatic site.

    Evading Immunity

    • Tumor cells can be recognized by the immune system as nonself and destroyed.
    • Immunosuppressed patients have an increased risk of developing cancer.
    • Cell proteins presented on the cell surface by MHC class I molecules are recognized by CD8+ CTLs as tumor antigens.
    • Antitumor activity is mediated by cell-mediated mechanisms, including:
      • T-cell mediated cytotoxicity: clear protective role against virus-associated neoplasms.
      • Natural killer cell cytotoxicity: capable of destroying tumor cells without prior sensitization.
      • Macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity: activated macrophages exhibit cytotoxicity against tumor cells.

    Chronic Inflammation

    • Necrosis induces chronic and extensive inflammation, leading to systemic signs and symptoms (e.g., anemia, fatigue, and cachexia).
    • Infiltrating leukocytes and activated stromal cells secrete growth factors, cytokines, and proteases that promote angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen deposition.
    • Stromal cell-cancer cell interactions increase the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy.

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    Related Documents

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    Description

    This quiz covers the initiation and regulation of DNA transcription, biosynthesis of cellular components, and autocrine stimulation in cell cycle progression.

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