Oncology_Presentation_No_Images [Autosaved].pptx

Oncology_Presentation_No_Images [Autosaved].pptx

1. Oncology: From Cellular Biology to Cancer Development and Treatment A Comprehensive Understanding of Cancer Mechanisms and Therapeutics Presenter Name Date

2. Introduction to Cellular Biology in Oncology Understanding cancer begins at the cellular level. This section covers: - Cell cycle regulation - Apoptosis - DNA replication and repair - Mutations

3. The Cell Cycle The cell cycle consists of several phases (G1, S, G2, M) regulated by cyclins and CDKs. Mutations in regulatory pathways can lead to uncontrolled proliferation.

4. Apoptosis – Programmed Cell Death Apoptosis eliminates damaged cells. In cancer, cells evade apoptosis by altering the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins.

5. DNA Replication and Repair Mechanisms DNA replication ensures the integrity of the genome. Cancer often arises from defects in DNA repair mechanisms, leading to accumulation of mutations.

6. Mutations – The Root of Cancer Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressors. Examples: - Point mutations - Insertions or deletions

7. Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes Oncogenes promote cell growth, while tumor suppressors prevent it. Mutations in either lead to cancer.

8. Signal Transduction Pathways in Cancer Key pathways involved in cancer include the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways. Targeted therapies aim to inhibit these signals.

9. Hallmarks of Cancer Cancer cells possess traits like uncontrolled proliferation, evading apoptosis, and promoting angiogenesis.

10. Evasion of Apoptosis and Unlimited Replicative Potential Cancer cells evade apoptosis and achieve immortality through telomerase activation, allowing indefinite replication.

11. The Tumor Microenvironment The tumor microenvironment includes cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, and blood vessels, which support tumor growth and survival.

12. Mechanisms of Metastasis Metastasis is the spread of cancer to distant organs, involving invasion, intravasation, and colonization.

13. Diagnostic Techniques Diagnostic methods include: - Imaging (CT, MRI, PET) - Biopsies - Molecular diagnostics for identifying mutations and biomarkers.

14. Cancer Treatment Modalities Treatment options depend on cancer type and stage, and include: - Surgery - Chemotherapy - Targeted therapy - Immunotherapy

15. Emerging Therapies and Research Promising new therapies include: - CRISPR for gene editing - Cancer vaccines - Liquid biopsies for non-invasive diagnosis.

16. Summary and Key Takeaways Cancer biology involves complex interactions of genetic mutations, cell signaling, and the tumor microenvironment. Understanding these processes is critical for developing effective treatments.