Cancer

What is cancer defined as?

A disease resulting from failure of mechanisms that normally control cell growth and proliferation.

Why is cancer not considered a single disease?

There are over 100 types of cancer, each with its own treatment regimen.

What are two ways cancer cells may appear different from normal cells?

Cancer cells often have abnormal shapes and an abnormal number of chromosomes arranged in a disorganized fashion.

List three hallmarks of cancer.

1. Abnormal morphology; 2. Uncontrolled proliferation; 3. Loss of contact inhibition.

What are gain of function (GoF) mutations?

Mutations that lead to the expression of a mutant protein that is constitutively active or increased expression of a wild-type protein (oncogenes).

Define health inequality.

Difference in health status between populations.

Define health inequity.

Inequalities that are avoidable, unfair, and unjust (disparities).

What characterizes hereditary cancer?

Germline mutations that exist in all cells of the body.

What is a tumor microenvironment (TME)?

A complex ecosystem of cells, molecules, and blood vessels that surround and support a tumor.

What role do cytokines play in the TME?

Cytokines regulate the activity of immune cells, stimulate or suppress immune responses, and promote tumor growth and angiogenesis.

What is the role of macrophages in cancer?

Macrophages can kill cancer cells by direct killing through release of harmful products such as nitric oxide or TNF.

What is an example of how cancer cells can escape immune targeting?

By expressing PD-L1 on their surface, which inhibits T cell cytotoxic activity.

What is the function of CTLA-4 in cancer treatment?

CTLA-4 binds to B7 ligands, and blocking it enhances T cell activation and expansion.

How can we enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells?

Using Adoptive cell transfer where NK cells are expanded ex-vivo and then reinfused into the patient.

What distinguishes DAMPs from PAMPs?

DAMPs are host factors released by dying cells, while PAMPs are molecular structures found on pathogens recognized by immune cells.

What is one experimental approach to identify cancer cell subtypes in a tumor?

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze gene expression at the single-cell level.

What role do adipose tissue and cytokines play in tumor growth?

Adipose tissue releases cytokines and fatty acids that can be utilized by cancer cells for energy production and promote proliferation.

What is EMT in the context of cancer?

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, where cancer cells lose adhesion and gain migratory and invasive properties.

How do you test a drug against cancer in a mouse model in-vitro?

Isolate immune and tumor cells, co-culture them, and treat with the drug candidate to assess effects.

Describe the difference between point mutations and chromosomal abnormalities.

Point mutations are single nucleotide alterations, while chromosomal abnormalities involve gene deletion, amplification, or translocation.

What is a common risk factor for cancer health disparities in populations?

Genetic and biological factors, such as racial differences in cancer incidence.

What are two types of experimental evidence for the role of PD-L1 in tumor growth?

Expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells reduces T cell activity; blocking PD-L1 with antibodies restores T cell function and inhibits tumor growth.