Prevention & Treatment
Biology: AQA A Level, topic 8.2.13
Prevention
Information related to the roles of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes can be used in preventing cancer. This is done by:
Increase understanding of risk
- Understanding what increases the chance of creating mutations in oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes (e.g. radiation) can help prevent cancer.
- Preventative measures can be taken.
- These measures will reduce the risk of developing cancer.
- E.g. BRCA1 mutations increase the risk of breast cancer. If the mutation is identified, preventative surgery can be used.
Develop more sensitive tests
- More sensitive tests can be used to diagnose cancers.
- E.g. Tests that screen specifically for the RAS mutation can detect bowel cancer early. RAS mutations are very common in bowel cancer.
Treatment
Information related to the roles of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes can be used in treating cancer. This is done by:
Develop drugs
- If we know what gene mutations cause cancer, drugs can be developed to target these specific gene mutations.
- Treatment for cancer can be made more specific by differing the drugs according to the type of mutation.
- E.g. Breast cancer caused by the HER2 mutation is treated specifically with Herceptin.
Intensity of treatment
- The intensity of the treatment needed can be determined by identifying what mutation is the cause.
- Some mutations are more aggressive and require a stronger treatment than others.
Test yourself on Prevention & Treatment
Which of the following statements about preventing cancer are true?
How does our understanding of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes help prevent cancer?
How can knowledge of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes be used to treat cancer?
What determines the intensity of treatment required?
Which of the following statements about treating cancer are true?