Solid tumor modalities

Question 1

Surgical oncology

Answer 1

• Removal of premalignant lesions
• Dx of stage and genetic contribution of tumor
• Most effective means of cancer tx- better when paired with radiation
• Debulking allows subsequent therapy to work better.
• Good to spare organ function

Question 2

Radiation oncology

Answer 2

X-ray & gamma rays. Goal to break double stranded DNA, unable to repair and replicate. Leads to systemic side effects- skin, N/V, fatigue, increased long term risk of CA. Three ways to deliver:

• Teletherapy- beams aimed at tumor
• Brachytherapy- encapsulated radiation implanted in tumor tissue
• Systemic- radionucleotides targeted to tumor

Question 3

Medical oncology

Answer 3

Generally target DNA structure or chromosomes at mitosis. Measured by therapeutic effect. Tumor shrinkage measures response. Goal to cure or palliate effects of tumor.

• Conventional: small molecules cause regression of tumor by disrupting DNA structure
• Targeted agents:
  
  • Hormonal therapy: estrogen and androgen function
  • Biologic therapy: regulate growth or induce immune host response.

Question 4

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Answer 4

High single dose of radiation with rigid mobilization. Treating intracranial lesions