Introduction to Cancer Therapy

Question 1

How may radiation be used in the treatment of cancer?

Answer 1

> External beam radiation - gamma photons or neutron beams
Free isotopes e.g. gallium
Radioconjugates or radioimmunoconjugates to target therapy

Question 2

How may alkylators be used as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer?

Answer 2

Cause direct DNA damage, and platinum is an example

Question 3

What are vinca alkyloids and taxanes?

Answer 3

Types of spindle poison that are used as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer

Question 4

How may small molecules be used in the treatment of cancer?

Answer 4

These will target the oncogene product in order to inhibit cellular signalling at key steps for cellular division