Multiple Choice
A mutation in a tumor suppressor gene causes what to happen?
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19. Cancer Genetics
Cancer Mutations
1:59 minutesProblem C.6c
Textbook Question
Radiation is frequently used as part of the treatment of cancer. The radiation works by damaging DNA and components of the cell. Under what circumstances do you think radiation treatment is a good choice to treat cancer?
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Understand that radiation treatment works by damaging the DNA of cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. This effect is more pronounced in rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells.
Consider that radiation is a good choice when the cancer is localized, meaning it is confined to a specific area and has not spread extensively to other parts of the body. This allows targeted radiation to minimize damage to healthy tissues.
Recognize that radiation is often used when surgical removal of the tumor is not possible or as an adjunct to surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Evaluate the type and stage of cancer, as some cancers are more sensitive to radiation due to their cell cycle characteristics and DNA repair capabilities.
Take into account the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate radiation, as well as the potential side effects, to determine if radiation is an appropriate treatment option.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Mechanism of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA within cancer cells, causing breaks in the DNA strands. This damage prevents the cells from dividing and leads to cell death, particularly affecting rapidly dividing cancer cells more than normal cells.
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Cancer Cell Sensitivity and Tumor Characteristics
Radiation is most effective on tumors that are localized and composed of cells that divide rapidly. Tumors with well-defined boundaries and those that are radiosensitive respond better to radiation, making it a suitable treatment option in such cases.
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Treatment Context and Patient Factors
Radiation therapy is chosen based on factors like tumor location, size, stage, and patient health. It is often used when surgery is not feasible, to shrink tumors before surgery, or to eliminate remaining cancer cells post-surgery, balancing effectiveness with minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
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