Cancer Biology & Cancer Epidemiology

A comprehensive set of flashcards summarizing key concepts from cancer biology and epidemiology.

What is cancer characterized by?

Abnormal growth resulting from uncontrolled proliferation of rapidly reproducing cells.

Define neoplasm.

A new growth, which can be benign or malignant.

What are the key differences between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors are well-defined, slow-growing, and non-invasive, while malignant tumors are not encapsulated, invasive, and grow rapidly.

What does 'carcinoma in situ' refer to?

Early-stage cancers that have not invaded surrounding tissues.

What are oncogenes?

Mutant proto-oncogenes that drive cellular growth.

What role do tumor-suppressor genes play?

They encode proteins that negatively regulate cell proliferation.

What is the significance of mutations in cancer development?

Multiple mutations accumulate with age, increasing cancer risk.

What is tumor promotion?

The process by which cancer cells become more complex and genetically altered.

Name one environmental factor associated with cancer risk.

Ionizing radiation.

What is the hallmark of sustained proliferative signaling?

Uncontrolled cellular proliferation.

What do chronic inflammatory conditions promote in relation to cancer?

Increased oxidative stress and DNA damage.

How do cancer cells evade apoptosis?

By mutating genes that are responsible for promoting cell death.

What is the role of telomerase in cancer biology?

It allows cancer cells to maintain telomere length and replicate indefinitely.

What are paraneoplastic syndromes?

Symptom complexes caused by biologic substances released from a tumor.

What are the three mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis?

Activation of proto-oncogenes, mutation of tumor-suppressor genes, and overexpression preventing apoptosis.

What is angiogenesis?

The formation of new blood vessels to supply a tumor.

Which type of cancer is associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?

Breast and ovarian cancer.

What is the role of the TNM staging system?

To describe the extent of cancer based on Tumor size, Node involvement, and Metastasis.

What is one emerging hallmark of cancer?

Phenotypic plasticity.

How do cancer cells respond differently to environmental signals?

They may have different genetic expressions and signaling pathways.

What effect does obesity have on cancer risk?

It increases the risk of several types of cancer due to metabolic changes.

What are driver mutations?

Mutations that contribute to the cancer phenotype and promote tumor growth.

Name one type of cancer linked to tobacco use.

Lung cancer.

What is the first step of cancer development?

Tumor initiation, which is the transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell.

What is the function of cytokines in cancer?

They help tumors evade the immune response and promote growth.

What are some common side effects of chemotherapy?

Gastrointestinal disturbances, hair loss, and bone marrow suppression.

How are tumors classified?

Based on the tissue of origin and characteristics like benign or malignant.

What does the term pleomorphic mean in relation to tumors?

Variable size and shape of tumor cells.

How do lifestyle factors influence cancer risk?

Diet, physical activity, and exposure to carcinogens can affect susceptibility.

What are potential causes of chronic inflammation leading to cancer?

Long-term infections, irritants, and autoimmune conditions.

How does HPV contribute to cancer?

High-risk HPVs are associated with cervical and anogenital cancers.

Define epigenetics in cancer biology.

Changes in gene expression without alterations to the DNA sequence.

What is the relevance of miRNAs in cancer?

They target gene expression and can impact tumor progression.

What role do growth factors play in tumors?

They stimulate cellular growth and may promote uncontrolled cellular proliferation.

Describe the process of metastatic spread.

It involves the tumor invading local tissues and spreading to distant sites through blood or lymph.

What does a high mitotic index indicate?

Rapidly dividing cells, often seen in malignant tumors.

What is meant by 'tumor microenvironment'?

The surrounding cells and factors that influence tumor growth and behavior.

What defines a benign tumor histologically?

Well-differentiated and encapsulated with lower mitotic activity.

What are common adverse effects of radiation therapy?

Damage to normal tissues and potential for long-term side effects.

How do cartilaginous tumors differ from carcinomas?

They arise from mesenchymal tissues, specifically cartilage.

Name an example of a cancer associated with chronic viral infections.

Hepatocellular carcinoma linked to hepatitis B and C viruses.

What is cachexia in cancer patients?

Severe physical wasting and malnutrition often seen in advanced cancer.

How do chromosomal aberrations contribute to cancer?

They can lead to gene mutations that promote tumor growth.

What is the clinical significance of tumor markers?

They aid in screening, diagnosis, and monitoring cancer treatment.

What is the function of immunotherapy in cancer treatment?

To enhance the body's immune response to eliminate cancer cells.

What factors contribute to cancer's increasing prevalence with age?

Accumulation of mutations over time and reduced immune function.

What is the main goal of palliative care in cancer treatment?

To improve quality of life by alleviating symptoms without curing the disease.

What cellular changes are observed during tumor progression?

Increased genetic changes leading to greater malignancy and invasiveness.

Define 'substrate' in the context of proteins involved in cancer.

Molecules that enzymes act upon during biochemical reactions.

What role do histones play in gene expression?

They regulate access to DNA for transcription and play a role in epigenetic modifications.

Explain the significance of the APC gene mutation.

It significantly raises the risk of colon cancer.

What is the primary function of immune checkpoint inhibitors?

To block proteins that suppress the immune response against tumors.

How does nutritional status affect cancer outcomes?

Malnutrition can impair treatment efficacy and worsen prognosis.

What does the term somatic mutation refer to?

Changes in DNA that occur in non-reproductive cells and cannot be inherited.

What is the relationship between cancer and the microbiome?

Altered microbiomes can influence cancer risk and treatment responses.

How are lifestyle modifications relevant to cancer prevention?

Reducing risk factors like smoking and improving diet can lower cancer incidence.

What are the potential impacts of psychological stress on cancer patients?

It may accelerate disease progression and influence treatment outcomes.

Name a type of cancer caused by occupational exposure.

Mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.

What are the outcomes of targeting angiogenesis in cancer therapy?

Reduced tumor growth and metastasis through inhibition of blood vessel development.

How can early life exposure increase cancer susceptibility?

Prenatal and perinatal exposures can alter developmental processes, impacting cancer risk.

What is the impact of chronic stress on cancer development?

It can lead to immune suppression and promote tumor growth.

How does targeted therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy?

Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular targets driving cancer growth and is less toxic.

What does the term 'driver mutation' imply?

Mutations that actively contribute to tumor growth and progression.