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

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes involved in DNA double-strand break repair; inherited mutations in these genes significantly increase risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

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

Ki-67 is a nuclear protein expressed during active phases of the cell cycle; the Ki-67 index reflects the percentage of tumor cells actively dividing and is used as a proliferative marker.

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

The Philadelphia chromosome, resulting from the t(9;22) translocation that creates the BCR-ABL fusion oncogene, is the defining genetic abnormality of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

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 originate from epithelial cells (skin, glands, mucosa), while sarcomas arise from mesenchymal tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Carcinogenesis

Answer

Carcinogenesis is the process through which normal cells undergo sequential genetic mutations — often involving oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inactivation — ultimately resulting in malignant transformation.

(CTR) Certified Tumor Registrar Practice Test

(CTR) Certified Tumor Registrar Practice Test

CTR Cancer Biology & Pathology 3