Basic science Flashcards
What is immunophenotyping
A process that uses antibodies to identify cells based on the types of antigens or markers on the surface of the cells. This process is used in basic research and to help diagnose diseases, such as specific types of leukemia and lymphoma.
What is the multistep theory of carcinogenesis?
A series of mutations occurs in an initially normal cell and transforms it into a cancer cell.
what is an oncogene
genes that promote cell growth and reproduction.
p53 function
a gene that codes for a protein that regulates the cell cycle and hence functions as a tumor suppression. It is very important for cells in multicellular organisms to suppress cancer.
Predicted effect of eliminating cigarette smoking on cancer mortality
would eliminate almost one-third of the nation’s cancer deaths.
Mutation load concept
Cancers carry a variable amount of mutations typically. Cancers with high mutation loads include lung and bowel cancer. Cancers with lower mutation loads = ovarian or prostate cancer. Mutation load is correlated with response to immunotherapy.
What is cancer a disease of?
Cancer is fundamentally a disease of tissue growth regulation. In order for a normal cell to transform into a cancer cell, the genes that regulate cell growth and differentiation must be altered
How does malignant transformation occur?
the formation of novel oncogenes OR the inappropriate over-expression of normal oncogenes OR by the under-expression or disabling of tumor suppressor genes.
why are cancer cells genetically unstable?
thought to be due to epigenetic alterations
Underlying principle for cancer growth
Cancers usually arise from an assemblage of mutations and epimutations that confer a selective advantage leading to clonal expansion.
Frequency of mutations in cancer vs. epigenetic alterations
Mutations, however, may not be as frequent in cancers as epigenetic alterations. An average cancer of the breast or colon can have about 60 to 70 protein-altering mutations, of which about three or four may be “driver” mutations and the remaining ones may be “passenger” mutations.
what is an echinocyte?
a form of red blood cell that has an abnormal cell membrane characterized by many small, evenly spaced thorny projections.
Structure of hemoglobin
A tetramer (which contains four subunit proteins) called hemoglobin A, consisting of two α and two β subunits non-covalently bound.
What are the granulocytes?
neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils
According to the IDSA/ASCO/ESMO guidelines when is primary prophylaxis with myeloid growth factors indicated?
when the anticipated incidence of neutropenic fever is approximately 20 percent or higher with a given regimen
