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12 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Grading Tumors
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Grade I: Well-differentiated (low)
Grade II: Moderately differentiated Grade III: Poorly differentiated (High) Grade IV: Undifferentiated (High) |
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Anaplasia
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The term anaplasia literally means "to form backward." It implies de-differentiation, or loss of structural and functional differentiation of normal cells. A hallmark of malignancy.
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Hyperchromasia
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Describes the hyperchromatic state of the nucleus (elevated chromatin), where there is an abundance of DNA that stains darkly. The hyperchromatic state of the nucleus suggests malignancy.
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Pleomorphism
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Variability in the size and shape of cells and/or their nuclei. It is a feature characteristic of malignant neoplasms.
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Cancer Staging
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The stage of a cancer is a descriptor (usually numbers I to IV) of how much the cancer has spread. The stage often takes into account the size of a tumor, how deep it has penetrated, whether it has invaded adjacent organs, how many lymph nodes it has metastasized to (if any), and whether it has spread to distant organs. Staging of cancer is important because the stage at diagnosis is the most powerful predictor of survival, and treatments are often changed based on the stage.
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Duke's Classification
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A staging system used to describe the extent of colorectal cancer. Stages range from A (early stage) to D (advanced stage).
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benign = encapsulated malignant = non-encapsulated, but there are exceptions to both...
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Not encapsulated, but benign:
-Hemangioma -Leiomyoma Encapsulated, but malignant: -Clear cell (renal) carcinoma |
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Angiogenesis
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Growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. Angiogenesis is a normal process in growth and development, as well as in wound healing. However, this is also a fundamental step in the transition of tumors from a dormant state to a malignant state.
Two mechanisms: 1. By mobilization of endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) from the bone marrow and from pre-existing vessels (capillary growth). 2. From pre-existing vessels, endothelial cells from these vessels become motile and proliferate to form capillary sprouts. |
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Importance of Vascularization Stage
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Vascular phase is a critical phase. This is where cancers are usually diagnosed. (late).
Before vascularization, there is pretty much even apoptosis and proliferation, but after vascularization proliferation really takes off. |
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Four anti-angiogenesis molecules
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Angiostatin
Endostatin Vascustatin Thrombospondin |
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Why might anti-angiogenic drugs not work on a tumor?
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Often times, tumor vessels are inefficient and leaky, thus not allowing drug to reach.
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Current state of anti-angiogenic drugs?
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None have yet been approved for use in cancer patients; many are now in clinical trials.
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