Therapeutic Options in Cancer Flashcards
What is cell turnover?
The constant shedding of dead skin cells and subsequent replacement with younger cells.
What does it tell us about cell turnover if mutations occur as a result of errors during cell division?
The model suggests that a low cellular turnover rate protects both against aging and the development of cancer.
What are the ways to prevent cancer?
- Environmental/behaviour change
- Diet
- Screening
- Genetics
- Medication
General cancer treatment
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Systemic therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Medication
Local or regional cancer treatment
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Ablation (freezing, radio-frequency)
- Isolated limb perfusion
Systemic cancer treatment
- Hormonal therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Biological therapy
- Immunotherapy
- CAR T-cell therapy
What can be used to locate the cancer?
- Examination
- Use of radiology/imaging - CR, MRI, PET, USS
How can radiotherapy be used in cancer treatment?
- Needs anatomical coverage
- Can treat inoperable lesions
- Can make surgery possible
- Can be combined with chemotherapy - anal cancer, rectal cancer
What are the 5 R’s of radiobiology
Radiosensitivity, repair, re-population, re-oxygenation, re-assortment
What % of cancers cured are cured with radiotherapy?
Of cancers cured, 40% are by radiotherapy - eg head & neck, uterus, skin, lymphoma
What does radiotherapy have an important role in?
Pain
Bleeding Swollen limbs
What % of cancers cured are cured with surgery?
50%
What % of cancers cured are cured with chemotherapy?
5%
What % of cancers have palliative chemotherapy?
50%
Medical treatment of cancer - systemic
- Beneficial for widespread disease
- Can result in widespread toxicity
- Now a mixture of chemotherapy and now targeted agents
