MISC - Cancer medicine Flashcards
describe the biology of a cancer cell
- Transformation from a cell of origin
- Acquisition of invasive properties
- Activation of cellular proliferative signals
- Abrogation of cell cycle control
- Up-regulation of angiogenesis
- Further clonal evolution
Cancer may be:
- localised
- locally advanced
- metastatic
describe the principles of diagnosis and staging in cancer patients
Imaging and Pathology
describe the (3) principles of treating cancer patients
•Local therapies (e.g. breast lesion)
–Surgery
–Radiotherapy
•Systemic therapies (e.g. metastatic cancer) –Chemotherapy –Hormone therapy –Immunotherapy –Molecular therapy
•Clinical Trials
define the difference between treatment with curative intent and palliative intent
Curative intent for Curable cancers
- Tolerate significant toxicity (even mortality) for chemo etc
Palliative intent for incurable cancers. Emphasis on QOL.
- Toxicity not tolerated
Name (3) screenings for cancer
Pap smears, Mammography and Faecal occult blood
Ongoing controversies: prostate, lung
(2) general Prevention of cancer
Smoking cessation and Sun smart
Describe roles of adjuvant treatment
- Breast / Colon / Lung / Sarcomas
- Reduces the risk of local recurrence
- Reduces the risk of systemic recurrence
- Improves overall survival
- Finite therapy
- Large numbers of patients treated for some individuals to benefit
- Tolerate some toxicity
What is the molecular target in CML/GIST? Treatment?
Bcr-Abl
Rx: Glivec
What is the molecular target in LUNG cancer? Treatment?
Anti-EGFR
Rx: Iressa
What is the molecular target in COLON cancer? Treatment?
VEGFRi
Rx: Bevacizumab
What is the molecular target in RENAL cancer? Treatment?
VEGFRi
Rx: Sunitinib
What is the molecular target in BREAST cancer? Treatment?
Her-2
Rx: Herceptin
What is the molecular target in LYMPHOMA cancer? Treatment?
Anti-CD20
Rx: Mabthera
What is the molecular target in MELANOMA cancer? Treatment?
B-Rafi
Rx: Vemurafinib
