Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy in Oncology Flashcards

Which class of targeted therapy works by inhibiting the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, making it effective in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)?

Answer: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib directly block BCR-ABL, the constitutively active kinase driving CML proliferation.

Trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets which receptor overexpressed in HER2-positive breast cancer?

Answer: HER2/neu (ErbB2)

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the extracellular domain of HER2/neu (ErbB2), inhibiting downstream proliferative signaling.

What is the primary mechanism of action of bevacizumab (Avastin)?

Answer: Binds circulating VEGF to prevent tumor angiogenesis

Bevacizumab is an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody that sequesters VEGF in circulation, preventing it from binding its receptors and thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.

KRAS mutations predict resistance to which targeted therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer?

Answer: Anti-EGFR agents such as cetuximab

KRAS mutations activate downstream RAS/MAPK signaling that bypasses EGFR, rendering cetuximab and panitumumab ineffective in colorectal cancer.

CDK 4/6 inhibitors such as palbociclib are approved in combination with endocrine therapy for which breast cancer subtype?

Answer: Hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer

CDK 4/6 inhibitors arrest cell cycle progression at the G1/S checkpoint and are approved for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer in combination with endocrine therapy.

Which BRAF inhibitor is approved for BRAF V600E mutant unresectable melanoma?

Answer: Vemurafenib

Vemurafenib specifically targets the BRAF V600E mutation, inhibiting aberrant MAPK/ERK signaling and is FDA-approved for BRAF V600E-mutant melanoma.

The mTOR inhibitor everolimus is FDA-approved in combination with exemestane for which indication?

Answer: Advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer after non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor failure

Everolimus combined with exemestane is FDA-approved for postmenopausal women with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer after failure of a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.