Cell Types and Cancer Biology

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Questions and Answers

How do cancer cells from sarcoma primarily spread throughout the body?

Via the lymphatic system

Through hormonal pathways

Through blood circulation (correct)

By direct contact with nearby cells

What type of tissues are affected by carcinoma?

Epithelial tissues (correct)

Connective tissues

Muscle tissues

Nervous tissues

Which of the following statements best describes the initiation step in carcinogenesis?

Initiators such as carcinogens change the cellular DNA. (correct)

Cancer does not alter genetic structures.

Cells always repair their DNA after damage.

The process occurs exclusively due to environmental factors.

Which organ is commonly noted as a site for metastasis of carcinoma?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of sarcoma?

It mainly affects epithelial tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about permanent cells?

They regenerate from stem cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of stable cells?

They can divide under certain conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How do labile cells respond to chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy has a negative impact on them. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between normal cells and cancer cells regarding apoptosis?

Cancer cells often evade apoptosis, allowing unchecked growth. Signup and view all the answers

What role do tumor suppressor genes play in normal cells?

They help regulate the cell cycle and prevent DNA damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of cancer cells regarding cell cycle progression?

They often have mutations that allow them to bypass checkpoints. Signup and view all the answers

Why do normal cells have functional checkpoints during the cell cycle?

To ensure proper DNA damage response and replication. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes malignant tumors?

They have the ability to invade tissues and metastasize. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of immunotherapy in cancer treatment?

To activate or suppress the immune system Signup and view all the answers

What type of cancer is primarily discussed in the content?

Breast cancer Signup and view all the answers

Which drug targets the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)?

Cetuximab Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true concerning breast cancer in the Philippines?

Three out of 100 women will get it before age 75. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'T' in the context of tumor characteristics?

It provides information about the size and location of the tumor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of breast cancer mentioned in the content?

Adenocarcinoma Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common feature of breast cancer at diagnosis?

Presence of a hard, non-tender nodule Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is associated with targeting lymphocyte markers?

Rituximab Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of surgery in cancer treatment?

To remove the tumor and nearby tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes chemotherapy?

A treatment using antineoplastic drugs to destroy cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of radiation therapy in treating cancer?

To kill cancer cells with high doses of radiation Signup and view all the answers

What are monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) used for in cancer treatment?

To target specific features of cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cancer treatment is an oncologist primarily responsible for?

Conducting surgeries Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of antineoplastic drugs in chemotherapy?

To interfere with the replication of cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

How does targeted therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy?

It focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of cancer does Alemtuzumab target?

Markers on lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the promotion stage of carcinogenesis?

Repeated exposure to promoting agents activates mutant genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the P53 gene in cellular stability?

Prevents genome mutation and influences cell survival. Signup and view all the answers

How do malignant cells invade surrounding tissues?

Through mechanical pressure and destructive enzymes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about metastasis is true?

It is the spread of cancer cells to distant sites. Signup and view all the answers

What enables tumor angiogenesis?

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Signup and view all the answers

Which physical agent is associated with an increased risk of cancer?

Excessive radiation and sunlight exposure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of mutated tumor suppressor genes?

Lack of regulation of cell division. Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is the most common for the spread of cancer cells?

Lymphatic spread. Signup and view all the answers

How can viruses contribute to cancer development?

By spreading their DNA, affecting the host's genetic makeup. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not associated with tumor promotion?

Normalization of mutated genes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Types

Permanent Cells are constantly in G0, they don't divide and are regenerated from stem cells.
Stable Cells are quiescent (inactive) cells that are stimulated to move from G0 to G1 under certain conditions.
Labile Cells are never in G0 and have a very short G1 phase.

Normal Cells vs Cancer Cells

Cell Cycle Regulation in normal cells is controlled by functional checkpoints and tumor suppressor genes/proteins.
Cancer Cells often have mutations in key regulatory genes, allowing them to bypass checkpoints and avoid apoptosis.
Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs in normal cells when they are damaged or no longer needed. Cancer cells often evade this process.

Benign Tumors

They grow slowly but remain localized without invading surrounding tissues.

Malignant Tumors

They are characterized by poorly differentiated cells and irregular nuclei.

Metastasis

Carcinoma is a cancer originating from epithelial tissues.
Sarcoma is a cancer originating from connective tissues.
Metastasis occurs through both lymphatic and blood systems.

3 Step Cellular Process of Carcinogenesis

Initiation: Environmental factors (carcinogens) alter the genetic structure of the cellular DNA.
Promotion: Repeated exposure to promoting agents like growth factors causes the expression of abnormal genetic information.
Progression: Cellular changes during initiation and promotion lead to increased malignant behavior. This includes invasion and metastasis.

Etiology

Physical agents such as radiation and excessive sunlight can contribute to carcinogenesis.
Chemical agents such as tobacco use, drugs, and toxic waste contribute to cancer development.
Viruses and bacteria can infect cells and alter their DNA, leading to potential cancer development.

Tumor Markers

Cancer cells release specific substances called tumor markers that can be detected in blood or other body fluids.

Treatment Options

Surgery: The oldest and most effective treatment method for many cancer types.
Chemotherapy: Uses antineoplastic drugs to destroy cancer cells by interfering with cellular function.
Radiation Therapy: Utilizes high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Targeted Therapies: Focus on specific features of cancer cells to stop their growth and spread.
Immunotherapy: Activates or suppresses the immune system to combat cancer.

Breast Cancer

Often begins as a hard, non-tender nodule in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.
Most breast cancers are adenocarcinomas originating in the ducts and lobes.

Breast Cancer in the Philippines

The Philippines has the highest incidence of breast cancer among Asian countries.

Breast Cancer TNM Staging System

T = tumor size and location
N = lymph node involvement
M = metastasis

Herceptin (Trastuzumab)

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 receptor, a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells. It blocks the growth signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide.

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Description

Test your knowledge on cell types, including permanent, stable, and labile cells, along with their roles in normal and cancerous conditions. This quiz also covers important concepts like metastasis, benign and malignant tumors, and apoptosis. Understanding these aspects is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of cancer biology.