Chapter 25: Intro to Oncologic Surgery Flashcards
Generally speaking, what alterations results in the formation of cancer?
- Activation of tumor-promoting factors via oncogenes
or - Loss of innate tumor inhibitory effects via tumor suppressor genes (e.g. p53 “guardian of the genome”)
What are the (6) phenotypic characteristics of cancer cells?
- Self-sufficiency in growth signals
- Insensitivity to anti-growth signals
- Tissue invasion and metastasis
- Limitless replicative potential
- Sustained angiogenesis
- Evasion of apoptosis
Which forms of neoplasia have confirmed, true genetic heritability in animals?
- Osteosarcoma of Scottish Deerhounds
- Renal cystadenocarcinoma in GSD
- Nodular dermatofibrosis in GSD
List (5) biologic carcinogens in animals:
- FeLV and lymphoproliferative diseases
- Feline sarcoma virus and FSA (must also be infected with FeLV)
- Papillomavirus in puppies. Papilloma can lead to formation of SCC in rare cases
- Spircocerca lupi and esophageal sarcomas in dogs
- Transmissible venereal tumor by direct cellular transmission
List (5) physical carcinogens:
- Asbestos and mesothelioma in humans
- Injection-site sarcoma in cats
- Post-trauma ocular sarcomas
- Microchip-associated FSA
- TPLO metallurgy and canine OSA
List the four possible mechanisms which can transform genes into oncogenes:
- Retrovirus-mediated transduction
- Translocation mutation
- Amplification
- Proviral insertion
Translation of oncogenes leads to transcription of key proteins such as….
- Growth factors
- Growth factor receptors
- Cytoplasmic kinases/Ras
- Transcription factors
- Antiapoptotic proteins
What are Ras oncogenes?
Lead to production of membrane-associated proteins that have a key role in cell signalling leading to activation of various cell-proliferative pathways
What are the two forms of tumor suppressor genes?
- Gate keepers - Inhibit growth while promoting cell death (eg. p53)
- Care takers - Ensure DNA repair while maintaining genomic stability
p53 is one of the most common mutations. It is crucial for normal cell cycle and serves as a checkpoint for entry into apoptosis
In general, how do carcinomas, round cell tumors and sarcomas metastasize?
- Carcinomas and round cell tumors via lymphatics
- Sarcomas via hematogenous routes
How do metastatic cells survive in their new environment?
- Progressive hypoxia due to proliferation (need to be 100-200mcm from capillary bed for continued growth)
- Hypoxia activates hypoxia-induced factor (HIF1alpha), an oxygen-dependent transcription factor
- HIF-1a induced transcription of tumor-derived growth factors such as VEGF
- Growth factors lead to endothelial recruitment and eventual organization in capillaries
What factors need to be considered when choosing a biopsy?
- Invasiveness of procedure
- Potential for hemorrhage
- Seeding of tumor cells
- Will it change the treatment plan
How can nuclear scintigraphy be applied to dogs with OSA? What substance is used for this?
Technetium-99m hydromethylene diphosphate used for a whole body scan to detect asymptomatic synchronous or asymptomatic lesions
In one study, 7.8% of 399 dogs with appendicular OSA were diagnosed with a second asymptomatic lesion. Not good candidates for amputation
List some uses of nuclear scintigraphy:
- Technetium-99m hydromethyl diphosphate for OSA to detect multiple lesions or to define margins for limb-sparing
- Technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid for GFR prior to nephrectomy
- Technetium-99m for thyroid tumors to identify metastatic or ectopic disease
- Indium-111 pentetreotide (somatostatin receptor scan) to identify primary and metastatic lesions in dogs with functional insulinomas
What is a PET-CT?
What are its limitations?
A radiopharmaceutical (F-fluorodeoxyglucose FDG) is used with is transported into and trapped inside tumor cells because it is not utilized in the glycolic pathway. Signal is higher in tumor cells as they have a higher uptake of glucose.
Limitations
- Not all tumors will have increased uptake
- Non-specific (inflammation reacts similarly)
- Not readily available
What size metastatic lesions can be seen on thoracic radiographs and CT?
- 6mm on radiographs
- 1mm on CT