Oncology/Breast Cancer

Question 1

What is RECIST? and Version?

Answer 1

Response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, rules that define when tumors in cancer patients respond, stabilize or worsen. Version 1.1

Question 2

Response Criteria under RECIST

Answer 2

Complete Response, Partial Response at least 30%, Stable disease, Progressive disease at least 20% increase

Question 3

What is TNM classification?

Answer 3

T is for size and extent of primary tumor, N whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, M is when is has metastasized to other organs. 1-4 stages

Question 4

How to determine the various stages of tumor using TNM

Answer 4

PE, X-Ray, CT scan, MRI, Tumor biopsy, blood test, surgery, pathology report

Question 5

Difference between Clinical and Pathological staging.

Answer 5

Clinical: results of physical exams, imaging tests, tumor biopsies and blood tests
Pathology: What is learned about the cancer during surgery and the pathology report.

Question 6

Stages of TNM

Answer 6

1 - tumor is localized in organ of origin
2 - Tumor is localized in the organ of origin but has extended beyond basement membrane
3- tumor has affected lymph nodes
4 - tumor has affected other organs

Question 7

Treatment options for breast cancer today?

Answer 7

Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, targeted therapy, radiation

Question 8

What are some adverse events in oncology trials?

Answer 8

Nausea and vomiting
Loss of hair
Nail changes
Hot flashes
Diarrhea
fatigue
loss of appetite
mouth sores
leg swelling
pain in joints or muscles
abdominal pain
feeling weak or tired

Question 9

What do you look for in reviewing patient pathology report?

Answer 9

1) Name/DOB/Age/Sex
2) Record #
3) Name of health care provider
4) Brief medical history of the patient
5) Gross appearance of the tumor (stage) TNM
6) Microscopic appearance (grade)
7) Summary of the diagnosis
8) Tumor Margin
9) Tumor Markers
10) Mutation
11) Date the pathology test was done
12)Name and address of lab
13)Name, date, signature of pathologist

Question 10

Difference between grade 1 and 3 histology?

Answer 10

The grading has to do with a measure of the cell appearance in tumor whether normal or abnormal.
Grade 1 (well differentiated) - the tumor cells appear close to normal cells and usually grow and spread slowly
Grade 3 ( poorly differentiated) - the tumor cells appear abnormal and usually grow rapidly and spread faster than tumors with a lower grade

Question 11

What is the primary endpoint for some of the studies you worked on?

Answer 11

The primary endpoint is overall survival and progressive free survival

Question 12

What is CTCAE

Answer 12

Also called common toxicity criteria. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Criteria are used for the management of chemotherapy administration and dosing, and in clinical trials to provide standardization and consistency in the definition of treatment-related toxicity. The grades run from 1-5 with 1 being mild, 2 being moderate, 3 being severe, 4 being life threatening and 5 being AE related to death

Question 13

HER2

Answer 13

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2
This protein promotes the growth of breast cancer
More aggressive than other types of breast cancer

Question 14

Medicine to treat

Answer 14

• Docetaxel(IV) – Inhibit microtubule structures within the cell
• Carboplaitn(IV) – Cross-linking of DNA molecule structures within the cell, thereby inhibit DNA synthesis (measurements of the dosages)
• Tamoxifen (pills) – Block the activities of estrogen receptor molecules
• Gemcitabine
• Methotrexate