OCC Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy in Oncology

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

HER2/neu (ErbB2)

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Binds circulating VEGF to prevent tumor angiogenesis

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Anti-EGFR agents such as cetuximab

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer

Answer

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.

(OCC) Oncology Chemotherapy Certification Practice Test

(OCC) Oncology Chemotherapy Certification Practice Test

OCC Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy in Oncology