Tumour Pathology 2 COPY Flashcards
What are the altered genetic associated with cancer?
Loss of tumour suppressor genesGain of function of oncogenes
What is the altered cellular function of cancer cells?
Tumour-related proteins
Describe morphology
Abnormal
Is there a unique feature specific to cancer cells?
No, but they are capable of independent growth
Describe adhesion in cancer cells
Los of cell-to-cell adhesionAltered cell-to-matrix adhesion
What are the tumour biomarkers?
Tumour-related proteins
What are the different categories of tumour biomarkers?
Onco-fetal proteinsOncogenesGrowth factors and receptors
What is the clinical utility of tumour biomarkers?
ScreeningDiagnosisPrognostic - identifying patients with a specific outcomePredictive - identifying patients who will respond to a particular therapy
What is the biomarker for Teratoma of testis and hepatocellular carcinoma?
Alpha-fetoprotein
What is the biomarker for colorectal cancer?
Carcino-embryonic antigen
What is the biomarker for Breast cancer?
Oestrogen receptor
What is the biomarker for Prostate cancer?
Prostate specific antigen
What are the predictive tumour biomarkers for colorectal cancer?
kras
What are the predictive tumour biomarkers for lung cancer?
EGFR - epidermal growth factor receptor
What are the predictive tumour biomarkers for breast cancer and gastric cancer?
Her2
What are the predictive tumour biomarkers for melanoma?
Braf
What is the variation in size and shape of cancer cells referred to as?
Pleomorphism
Is mitoses present in cancer cells?
Yes but is abnormal
What is tumour growth a balance between?
Angiogenesis Apoptosis
What is angiogenesis?
New blood vessel formation by tumours, required to sustain tumour growth
What is the downside on human health brought about by angiogenesis?
Provides a route for release of tumour cells into circulation
What is the relationship between blood vessels and prognosis?
More blood vessels -poorer prognosis
What is involved in the response to chemo-radiotherapy?
Apoptosis
What is the major clinical problem of cancer?
Formation of metastatic (secondary) tumour
What is the effect of metastasis on matrix degradation by proteolytic enzymes?
Increased
What is the effect of metastasis on cell-to-cell cell-to-matrix adhesion?
It is altered
What are the various modes of spread of cancer?
LocalLymphaticBloodTrans-coelomic spread
What is the intermediate tissue for tumour invasion of lymph/blood vessels?
Connective tissue
What are the stages of metastasis via lymphatics?
Adherence of tumour cells to lymph vesselsInvasion from lymphaticsInvasion into lymph nodesFormation of metastasis in lymph nodeClinical evidence of metastasis
What are the stages of metastasis via blood?
Same process but substituting the lymph vessels with blood vessels
What is Trans-coelomic spread?
Spread of tumour cells across the body cavitiesPleural or peritoneal cavities
Which organs show a Trans-coelomic spread?
Lung, stomach, colon and ovary
What are the common sites of metastasis?
Liver, lung, brain, bone (axial skeleton)Adrenal gland
What are the uncommon sites for metastasis?
Spleen, kidney, skeletal muscles, heartRelates to blood flow and the environmental factors of each organ
Where do breast? prostate? and colorectal cancer often metastasis to?
BoneBoneLiver
