Lecture 1; Introduction

Question 1

Whats important to consider in the disease process;

Answer 1

• Aetiology (genetic and enviro interaction)
• Pathogenesis (sequence of events)
• Changes in cells/tissues (structural, molecular and functional)
• Clinical manifestation (signs, symptoms, lab tests)

Question 2

Her2 and Trastuzumab; What is the Her2 receptor?

Answer 2

Her2 is a receptor on surface of epithelial cells that turns on intracellular signalling pathways (Including PI3K and MAPK pathways, causing cell division and growth)

Question 3

Her2 and Trastuzumab; What happens in breast cancer with Her2?

Answer 3

20-30% of breast cancers have amplified Her2, thus it drives cancer cell division and tumour growth

Question 4

Her2 and Trastuzumab; What does trastuzumab do?

Answer 4

Trastuzumab (herceptin) is an artificially produced antibody that targets Her2 receptor (thus is much more effective in those tumours in which Her2 is amplified)

Question 5

Her2 and Trastuzumab; How can trastuzumab target cancer cells?

Answer 5

• Causing Her2 receptor lysosomal degradation
• Blocking Her2 PI3K/AKT intracellular signalling
• Encouraging immune attack