Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

LSM4221 Drug Discovery and Clinical Trials > Drug discovery in oncology > Flashcards

Drug discovery in oncology Flashcards

Cellular Transformation, Cancer Treatments, History of Cancer Research, Targeted Therapy, Drug Resistance, Immunotherapy

1
Q

What causes cellular transformation in cancer?

A

Genetic lesions affecting proliferation and apoptosis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Name four main types of cancer treatments.

A

Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does targeted therapy differ from standard chemotherapy?

A

Targets specific molecular targets with fewer side effects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the role of monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment?

A

Designed against targets outside the cell or the cell surface

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What causes drug resistance in cancer treatment?

A

The most common reason is expression of drug-ejecting transporters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How is the HER2 gene related to breast cancer?

A

Overexpressed in 20-25% of breast cancers, indicating aggressive disease.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the significance of the Philadelphia Chromosome in leukemia?

A

Found in 95% of CML cases, involving the BCR-ABL fusion gene.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How do cancers avoid immune detection?

A

downregulating antigen presentation, promoting immune tolerance, and inhibiting immune cell activation, allowing them to evade immune surveillance and attack.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their role in therapy resistance?

A

Resistant to therapy and can regenerate tumors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Name a common mechanism of action for monoclonal antibodies in oncology.

A

Blocking growth factor receptors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How do cancer vaccines work?

A

They stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the significance of immune checkpoint inhibitors?

A

They prevent cancer cells from evading immune system detection.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What role does CAR-T cell therapy play in cancer treatment?

A

It genetically modifies T cells to attack cancer cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Define “oncogenes” and their role in cancer.

A

Genes that can transform a cell into a tumor cell when mutated or expressed at high levels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the impact of tumor suppressor genes in cancer development?

A

Their loss or mutation can lead to cancer progression.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe the process of angiogenesis in cancer.

A

The formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors.

17
Q

How does hormone therapy work in cancer treatment?

A

blocking the production or action of hormones that promote cancer growth

18
Q

What is the principle behind combination therapy in oncology?

A

Using multiple treatments to target different cancer pathways and reduce resistance.

19
Q

How do alkylating agents work as chemotherapy drugs?

A

They damage DNA, preventing cancer cells from dividing.

20
Q

What is targeted therapy’s advantage over traditional chemotherapy?

A

Targeted therapy attacks specific targets on cancer cells, causing less harm to normal cells.

21
Q

Explain the concept of “precision medicine” in oncology.

A

Tailoring treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient’s cancer.

22
Q

What is the challenge of multi-drug resistance in cancer treatment?

A

Cancer cells develop resistance to multiple drugs, making treatment difficult.

23
Q

Define “metastasis” in the context of cancer.

A

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.

24
Q

What is the role of signal transduction inhibitors in cancer therapy?

A

They block the pathways that promote cell division and survival in cancer cells.

25
Q

Explain the significance of apoptosis in cancer treatment.

A

Inducing apoptosis in cancer cells can effectively reduce tumor size.

26
Q

How does immunomodulation therapy work in cancer?

A

It enhances the body’s immune response against cancer cells.

27
Q

How do cytotoxic T lymphocytes contribute to fighting cancer?

A

They can directly kill tumor cells.

28
Q

What is the impact of cancer genomics on drug discovery?

A

It enables the identification of new targets for cancer therapy.

29
Q

What is the future direction of cancer treatment according to the lecture?

A

Personalized medicine and combination therapies targeting multiple aspects of cancer biology.

LSM4221 Drug Discovery and Clinical Trials (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions