Biochemistry 2280A Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Haematopoiesis, Chemotherapy, Paclitaxel

• School: Western University
• Department: Biochemistry
• Course: Biochemistry 2280A
• Professor: Derek Mc Lachlin

Document Summary

Is becoming more prevalent as the population ages; more and more of a problem. Molecular basis of cancer: cancer is characterized by genetic and biochemical defects, biochemistry and molecular biology provide avenues for cures, cancer cells have problems with biochemistry which are due to genetic defects. Tumour types: there"s t(cid:449)o t(cid:455)pes of tu(cid:373)ours, benign tumour: encapsulated; contained within the originating tissue, not as much of a problem; surgeon can come in and just remove it, malignant tumour: not contained. Common sites of spread are to the bones, liver, and lungs: at some point the malignant tumour breaks through the basal lamina. It can break into a blood vessel (capillary). Lots of cells; 1 in 1000 is a big problem. General ones: 1) reduced dependence on signals from other cells for survival, growth, and division e. g. activating mutation in a ras gene (signals proliferation, 2) survive levels of stress that would cause normal cells to die.