OCN Cancer Biology and Pathophysiology 3

Question 1

Which cancer screening test detects precancerous lesions and is recommended for cervical cancer prevention?

Accepted Answer

Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and HPV testing

Answer

Pap smear and co-testing with HPV detection identify cervical dysplasia before it progresses to invasive cancer, making cervical cancer highly preventable.

Question 2

The immune system recognizes cancer cells through a process called immune surveillance. Which cells are the primary cancer-killing effectors?

Accepted Answer

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells) and natural killer (NK) cells

Answer

CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and NK cells are the primary immune effectors that recognize and destroy cancer cells expressing tumor-associated antigens.

Question 3

Which process allows cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues by breaking down the extracellular matrix?

Accepted Answer

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion

Answer

Cancer cells secrete matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the basement membrane and extracellular matrix, enabling local invasion and metastasis.

Question 4

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer enables which key behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells to lose cell junctions and gain migratory and invasive properties

Answer

EMT is a developmental process hijacked by cancer cells to lose epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal traits, enabling migration and metastasis.

Question 5

Which cancer type has a strong etiological link to Helicobacter pylori infection?

Accepted Answer

Gastric (stomach) adenocarcinoma

Answer

H. pylori infection causes chronic gastric inflammation that over decades can progress to intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and gastric adenocarcinoma.

OCN Exam Practice Test

OCN Exam Practice Test

OCN Cancer Biology and Pathophysiology 3