Seminar 3 - Carcinogenesis

Question 1

Define carcinogenesis.

Answer 1

The process of transformation of a normal cell to a cancer cell

Question 2

Outline the multiple stages involved in carcinogenesis.

Answer 2

1. Initiation: mutation - stem cells
2. Promotion: induction - cell division
3. Progression: propagation, conversion, dedifferentiation
4. Transformation: potential regression
5. Evolution: drug resistant clinical tumour
6. Metastasis: spread of transformed cells

Question 3

How long does it take for initiation to occur?

Answer 3

1-2 days: exposure

Question 4

How long does it take for promotion to occur?

Answer 4

10+ years - latency

Question 5

How long does it take for progression to occur?

Answer 5

0.5+ years - Malignancy

Question 6

Outline the reasons for an increase in incidence of cancer.

Answer 6

1. Ageing population - people living to older ages
2. Lifestyle changes
3. Increased screening - always there but being picked up now