Cancer Therapy

Question 1

Differentiate Radiosensitivity from Radioresistance

Answer 1

Radiosensitivity: Susceptibility of tumor cells to ionizing radiation.
Radioresistance: Resistance of tumor cells to radiation.

Question 2

What factors affect response to radiation?

Answer 2

Oxygen, Cell age and tumor regrowth

Question 3

What are the principles of medical oncology?

Answer 3

1. Not all cells are proliferating.
2. Bulk of tumor is in G0
3. Constant proportion, not number, of tumor cells are killed in treatment.

Question 4

What are some mechanisms of drug resistance?

Answer 4

1. Tumor sanctuaries (CNS and testes)
2. Mutations
3. Decreased drug absorption