Haem Onco Flashcards
3 main cancers that are screened for
Breast,Cervical and Colorectal
How cancers can be prevented
HPV,EBV vaccination
Criteria for monitoring cancer treatment response
RACES for chemotherapy,modified RACES for chemotherapy
Uses of imaging in oncology
Diagnostic(biopsy), gauging response of cancer to treatment,planning treatment in terms of locations to target with treatment
Threshold for diagnosing Hypercalcemia
2.0mmol/L
Can we solely use Calcitonin for Long term treatment of HyperCalcemia
No as that will cause tachyphylaxis. For long term it is better to use Zoledronic acid(together with calcitonin)
Why is immobilisation important for radiotherapy
To ensure precision in the administration of radiation to the specific clinical and planning margins for the tumour
Primary uses for radiotherapy
Palliative,curative and as an adjunct
Indications of radiotherapy for palliative purposes
- Severe bone pain esp from metastasis
- Bleeding eg for haemoptysis for lung ca
- Obstruction eg for esophageal ca
MOA of radiotherapy
Radiotherapy mostly works by replicative failure(indirect cell kill),not direct cell kill
1st phase: Release cytokines to relieve pain
2nd phase: Cause thrombosis etc to reduce angiogenesis and bleeding
3rd phase: Mostly indirect cell kill
Take this slide with a pinch of salt
Why is LH-RH used for prostate and breast cancer
Gland(pituitary?) is first hyperstimulated which subsequently causes reduced hormone release causing reduced stimulation of the affected organ and subsequently reducing tumour growth
Preferred therapy for Haematological cancers and NPC respectively
Haemarological spreads even at early stages, chemo is important for systemic treatment for mets.
NPC in especially sensitive to radiotherapy
What is SVC syndrome
Caused by obstruction of blood flow through Superior Van Cava(Medical urgency). When collateral veins can’t compensate quickly enough or at max compensation
Pathophysiology of SVC syndrome
1)Thrombosis/Sclerosis
2)Invasion
3)Extrinsic pressure by pathology
Causes of SVC syndrome
Usually caused by malignancy(SCLC,NSCLC,NH lymphoma,metastatic disease. Less commonly benign lesions
Signs of SVC Syndrome
3 Ds: Dsypnea, Distension including upper body Edema, Dilated chest wall veins + Neurological symptoms due to cerebral edema
Investigations relevant to SVC syndrome
if no overt presentation of syndrome: Ultrasound if intravascular device, CT/MRI for Hx of malignancy, CXR to look for SVC obstruction,mediastinal widening, pleural effusion
Mgmt of SVC syndrome
Treatment: Relieve symptoms(Severe: Stent,radiotherapy,steroids vs Non severe: radio+/- Chemo)+ Treat primary malignancy
Pathophysiology of Spinal Cord Compression
Impingement of spinal cord by tumour whether primary or metastatic,is a medical emergency
Types of Spinal Cord Compression
Vertebral displacement, epidural compression and paraspinal compression
