Area 1 Cancer Flashcards
Basic background of the hallmarks of cancer
How does cancer arise?
Results from unrepaired DNA damage resulting in mutations
Is cancer inherited or acquired?
It can be both, though it is more commonly thought of as acquired.
Inherited (germline, 10% of cancers)
Acquired (Somatic, 90% of cancers)
What are the two main characteristics for cancerous cells?
Reproduce while ignoring inhibition signals and without growth signals
Invade and colonise territories reserved for other cells
What do growth factors do with respect to the cell cycle?
Stimulate G0 phase cell to the G1 phase
What growth factors are used therapeutically?
EPO - treatment of anemia and renal disease (stimulating RBC proliferation and differentiation)
GM-CSF - stimulates blood stem cell proliferation and mobilization (for bone marrow transplants and post chemotherapy
How is cancer affected by growth factors?
The growth factor receptors are often over expressed or activated in response to the growth factors.
EGFR is a breast cancer prognostic marker.
Tumours commonly produce growth factors (IGF-1, IGF-2, EGF)
How to cancers progress?
1 - Single mutant cells
2 - Tumour formation (4-6 mutations required in specific systems to get to this stage)
3 - Metastasis
What is the difference between a benign and malignant tumour?
Benign
- appear like regular tissue
- don’t spread
- usually don’t cause problems unless in a confined space
Malignant tumours
- Do not resemble tissue of origin
- Often have irregular structures
- invade surrounding tissue
What is metastasis?
Cancers that invade other tissues and spread to other parts of the body
What is angiogenesis?
Development of a new microcirculation (blood vessels/capillaries)
What is an enzyme allowing for the immortalisation of cancer cells by the telomeres?
Telomerase
Extends telomeres to prevent senescence
