CTR Cancer Biology & Pathology 3

Question 1

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are classified as which type of genes in cancer biology?

Accepted Answer

Tumor suppressor genes

Answer

Proto-oncogenes

Answer

DNA mismatch repair genes

Answer

Oncogenes activated by point mutation

Question 2

The Ki-67 index reported on a pathology report measures which tumor characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Proportion of actively proliferating cells within the tumor

Answer

Degree of tumor necrosis present

Answer

Extent of lymphovascular invasion

Answer

Tumor response to prior chemotherapy

Question 3

Which hematologic malignancy is most classically associated with the Philadelphia chromosome (t(9;22) BCR-ABL translocation)?

Accepted Answer

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Answer

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric patients

Answer

Multiple myeloma

Answer

Hodgkin lymphoma

Question 4

What is the fundamental biological distinction between a carcinoma and a sarcoma?

Accepted Answer

Carcinomas arise from epithelial tissue; sarcomas arise from mesenchymal (connective) tissue

Answer

Carcinomas arise from connective tissue; sarcomas arise from epithelial tissue

Answer

Carcinomas are always benign; sarcomas are always malignant

Answer

Carcinomas metastasize hematogenously; sarcomas metastasize via lymphatics

Question 5

The multi-step process by which normal cells accumulate genetic alterations and transform into malignant cells is called:

Accepted Answer

Carcinogenesis

Answer

Apoptosis

Answer

Angiogenesis

Answer

Metaplasia

Question 6

On a breast pathology report, a positive HER2/neu (ERBB2) status most directly indicates:

Accepted Answer

The tumor overexpresses HER2 protein, making it a candidate for HER2-targeted therapy

Answer

The tumor is estrogen receptor positive and may respond to aromatase inhibitors

Answer

The tumor is progesterone receptor positive with a favorable prognosis

Answer

The tumor has a low proliferative index and slow growth rate

Question 7

Which term describes a malignant tumor of mesothelial cells, such as those lining the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium?

Accepted Answer

Mesothelioma

Answer

Adenocarcinoma

Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

Neuroendocrine carcinoma