Questions and Answers
What is the defining characteristic of intrinsic drug resistance in cancer patients?
What are the two categories of drug resistance in cancer?
What change has been observed in the use of cancer therapies over recent years?
Why is there a growing demand for investments in patient support related to oral chemotherapy?
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How does acquired drug resistance develop in cancer patients?
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What is the focus of the course PHCY 602?
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Which equation is used to calculate Body Surface Area (BSA) in this course?
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Which of the following tools is NOT mentioned as a resource for the course?
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What is one focus of the course objectives in relation to cancer?
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What are students expected to interpret as part of the course objectives?
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Study Notes
Objectives of Oncology Introduction
- Review cancer facts, trends, and define key oncology terms.
- Evaluate features of chemotherapy in oncology.
- Interpret survival curves and define clinical trial endpoints.
- Classify cancer using histological nomenclature.
- Calculate Body Surface Area (BSA) using the Mosteller equation for chemotherapy dosage.
- Understand chemotherapy treatment strategies.
- Familiarize with TMN and summary staging terminology.
- Identify racial and gender disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes.
- Distinguish between genetic and environmental links to cancer development.
Key Concepts in Cancer Treatment
- Oral anticancer drugs are increasingly significant in cancer therapy.
- FDA approved 44 new cancer therapies from 2019 to 2021, with 61% being oral agents.
- The growing reliance on oral chemotherapy emphasizes the need for improved patient support for medication adherence.
Importance of Cancer Staging
- Staging assesses the extent of disease, crucial for treatment decisions and prognosis.
- Two primary systems are utilized: TNM and Summary Staging.
Summary Staging System
- In situ: cancer present only in original cell layer.
- Localized: cancer remains in its organ of origin.
- Regional: cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues.
- Distant (metastatic): cancer spread to distant organs or lymph nodes.
TNM Staging System
- (T) Measures tumor size and local growth.
- (N) Indicates lymph node involvement.
- (M) Indicates presence of distant metastases.
- Stages categorized from 0 (non-invasive) to IV (most advanced).
Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
- Racial and ethnic disparities are evident in cancer death rates from 1975-2020.
- Studies often lack racial/ethnic diversity in samples, underscoring a need for more inclusive research.
Factors Contributing to Cancer
- Genetic factors: germline mutations.
- Environmental exposures: somatic mutations linked to diet, carcinogens (e.g., tobacco), radiation, and infectious diseases.
Genetic Components of Cancer
- Most cancers result from sporadic mutations rather than inherited genetic factors, with approximately 90% attributed to chance.
- Environmental influences play a critical role in cancer development.
Example of Cancer Genetics
- Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is a known hereditary cause of colon cancer.
- Mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes correlate with increased breast cancer risk.
Example Clinical Scenario
- Monitoring required for adverse effects in a patient treated with Adriamycin and Cytoxan, including:
- Cardiotoxicity (cardiomyopathy).
- Extravasation risk.
- Myelosuppression.
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Description
This quiz covers essential concepts from the first week of PHCY 602, focusing on the introduction to oncology. Students will review cancer facts, chemotherapy features, and clinical trial endpoints. It's designed to help students grasp the foundational knowledge necessary for further studies in oncology.
