Cancer Flashcards
Briefly describe the phases of the cell cycle
G0: resting phase - cells are not in the process of cell division
G1: relatively dormant with some RNA and protein synthesis
S: synthesis phase = DNA is synthesized, and RNA and protein synthesis continues
G2: some RNA synthesized
M: mitosis (cell division)
Cells are most sensitive to radiation in the _______ phases
Cells are least sensitive to radiation in the ____ phase
Most sensitive to radiation: M and G2 phases
Least sensitive to radiation: S phase
Explain the rationale for use of cell-specific and non cell-specific medications
Increased likelihood of medications to target cells in all phases of the cell cycle
Clinical manifestations of chemotherapy is governed by ____________________.
Negative clinical manifestations are governed by the mitotic rate of tissue - i.e. rapidly dividing cells such as mucosa and bone marrow are affected first so the early manifestations are hair loss, nausea, vomiting, etc. vs. slowly proliferating tissue e.g. bone, kidney manifest late responses
Benign or malignant?
well differentiated cells
Benign
Benign or malignant?
angiogenesis with rapid rate of growth
malignant
Benign or malignant?
metastasis
malignant
Benign or malignant?
encapsulated tumor
benign
Benign or malignant?
general effects such as anemia, weakness, weight loss
malignant
Benign or malignant?
tumor grows at periphery and sends out processes that infiltrate surrounding tissue
malignant
Benign or malignant?
usually no tissue damage unless its location interferes with blood flow
benign
Explain where cancer pain may arise from
pain: from tumor pressing on nerves of blood vessels, tumor releasing lytic enzymes that directly injure cells, or tumor related pain in space-limiting compartments
Explain the etiology of cachexia that occurs in cancer
general fat and protein wasting due to anorexia, poor digestion, increased metabolic rate, or changes in metabolism e.g. selective trapping of nutrients by growing tumor cells
Explain how anemia occurs in cancer
due to bleeding, depression of bone marrow from chemo/radiation treatment, or nutritional deficits
Explain what causes fatigue in cancer
poor nutrition, protein malabsorption, inadequate tissue perfusion (due to anemia)
Explain what causes effusion in serous cavities in cancer
impaired lymph flow from the serous cavity (obstruction) or erosion by tumor into the cavity
What are the 5 main clinical manifestations of cancer?
FCAPE: Fatigue Cachexia Anemia Pain Effusion
What are the classes of chemotherapeutic drugs? Identify if they are cycle specific or non-specific
Alkylating agents: non-specific e.g. cisplatin, chlorambucil
Antimetabolites: S-phase specific e.g. methotrexate, imuran, cytosine, 5-FU
Mitotic inhibitors: M-phase specific e.g. vinblastine, vincristine, taxol
Antineoplastic antibiotics: non-specific e.g. adriaMYCIN, actinoMYCIN, bleoMYCIN
- bleomycin is M and G2 specific
Explain how alkylating agents work
inactivates DNA –> halts cancer cell replication (similar action to radiation)
Explain how antimetabolites work
interfere with DNA synthesis by mimicking cellular metabolites that the cell incorporates into the cell DNA –> immediate cell death
Explain how mitotic inhibitors work
impact spindling in mitosis - interrupts cell replication
Explain how antineoplastic antibiotics work
modify DNA function and interferes with RNA transcription –> cells die immediately or with cell division
Explain how hormones work as treatment in cancer therapy
alter cellular environment making it less desirable for survival/replication; stimulates DIFFERENTIATION
What are the phases of cancer development?
Initiation - DNA mutation
Promotion - factors cause replication of mutated cells
Progression - rapid multiplying of cancer cells with metastasis
