Cancer Flashcards
what is cancer on a biological level
aberrant patterns of gene expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes
what are the hallmarks of cancer
growth factor independence
insensitivity to antigrowth signals
avoidance of programmed cell death
ability to recruit blood supply
immortalisation by reactivation of telomerase
ability to invade adjacent normal tissues and metastasise to distant sites
reprogrammed energy metabolism
evading immune destruction
when is imaging used in cancer
early detection of cancer
assessment of identified cancer
planning cancer treatment
what types of imaging is used in cancer
ultrasound scanning
x-ray
CT
MRI
radionucleotide imagine
what treatments are available for cancer
surgical
chemotherapy
radiotherapy
combination treatments
what is the aim of treatment
curative
life extending
palliative
what does treatment choice depend on
staging investigation results
genetic testing of cancer
evidence from clinical trials
what are the principles of surgery
remove tumour before spread
need clear margin to reduce recurrance
what are the effects of surgery
reduced tissue bulk
reconstruction needed
GA health effects
what are the side effects of surgery
cosmetic and functional deficit
local infection/wound dehiscence
lymphatic oedema in affected area
general surgical consequences
not curative
what are the principles of chemotherapy
kill tumour cells without harming host cells
target drugs to cell markers or growth factors now reduces toxicity
what are the side effects of chemotherapy
rapidly dividing cells killed
damage to DNA of remaining cells
drug specific effects
what are the principles of radiotherapy
ionising radiation damage to cellular DNA
what are the effects of radiotherapy
kill tumour cells
gives moderate/high dose to overlying tissue
what are the side effects of radiotherapy
general tiredness
burns
hair loss
dry mouth
taste loss
menopause induction
