Lec 3

What is cancer?

A disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.

What is metastasis?

A process by which cancerous tumors spread into nearby tissues and can travel to distant places in the body to form new tumors.

What is the difference between malignant and benign tumors?

Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues, while benign tumors do not invade and typically do not grow back when removed.

What are proto-oncogenes?

Genes involved in normal cell growth and division that can become cancer-causing genes (oncogenes) when altered.

What are tumor suppressor genes?

Genes that control cell growth and division; alterations can lead to uncontrolled cell division.

How does age affect cancer risk?

As the body ages, its ability to eliminate cells with damaged DNA decreases, increasing the risk of cancer.

What is the hallmark of sustained proliferative signaling in cancer cells?

Allows continuous cell division due to overexpression or mutation of growth factor receptors.

What does evasion of growth suppressors allow in cancer cells?

Circumvents normal cell cycle regulation, allowing uncontrolled growth.

What role do angiogenic factors play in tumor growth?

They promote new blood vessel formation to supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients.

What are the two main types of lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma, which has Reed-Sternberg cells, and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which incorporates various lymphocyte-derived cancers.

What type of cancer does hyperplasia indicate?

An increased number of cells that may lead to cancer if not treated, but the tissue appears normal under a microscope.

What is carcinoma in situ?

A stage 0 cancer where abnormal cells do not invade nearby tissues but may become cancerous.

What defines leukemia?

Cancers that begin in blood-forming tissues and do not form solid tumors, characterized by the buildup of abnormal white blood cells.

What is the difference between acute and chronic leukemia?

Acute leukemia grows quickly, while chronic leukemia grows slowly.

What do oncogenes do when activated?

They promote excessive cell growth due to genetic alterations.

What is the two-hit hypothesis in relation to tumor suppressor genes?

Both alleles must be inactivated for cancer to develop, often involving inherited and somatic mutations.

What are the roles of microRNAs in cancer?

They can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.

What is a common characteristic of breast cancer cells regarding metabolism?

They enhance glucose metabolism and rely on aerobic glycolysis for energy.

What is the function of targeted therapies in cancer treatment?

To tailor treatments to individual patients based on genomic profiling and specific mutations.