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DA4. Cancer

Statement

  • For this discussion, you will select a specific cancer.
  • What cell type is affected? Describe the defect in cellular reproduction responsible for the cancer.
  • Discuss therapy available for treatment of the disorder.
  • Does the therapy treat the symptoms or the genetic nature of the disease? Explain.

Solution

The text will discuss Breast Cancer which is the most common cancer in the UK where a 150 new cases being recorded every day in the UK alone, where -unfortunately- 32 of these cases die every day (According to (Cancer Research UK, n.d.)).

The cancer usually affects the breast tissue with the accumulation of damaged DNA in the cells of the breast tissue in a rate that is higher than the rate of repair (Davis & Lin, 2011). The most affected genes are BRCA1, BRIT1 and PARP-1 where a broad range of mutations can happen, such mutations include DNA mutations (insertions, deletions, inappropriate repetitions), and DNA chromosomal abnormalities including single strand breaks (SSB), double strand breaks (DSB) and chromosome fusion §(Davis & Lin, 2011).

There are many therapies available for the treatment of breast cancer, such as (CDC, 2023):

  • Surgery: Where the cancerous tissue is removed from the breast.
  • Chemotherapy: Where the cancerous cells are killed using drugs that targets the cancerous cells.
  • Hormone therapy: Lowering the levels of oestrogen or progesterone in the body as they are needed for the growth of the cancerous cells which ends up killing them or slowing their growth (NHS, 2019).
  • Radiotherapy: Where the cancerous cells are killed using radiation.
  • Targeted therapy: such as CDK4/6 inhibitors (Palbociclib, Ribociclib, Abemaciclib) which they target the proteins that are responsible for the growth of the cancerous cells (Schoninger & Blain, 2020).

All of the previous treatments tries to treat the very nature of the disease targeting specific cells, tissues, or even genes within the cells. However, the treatment of the disease usually accompanied with symptoms treatments for side effects of the therapy or the side effects of the disease itself. These supportive treatments may include painkillers, anti-sickness medication, and antibiotics to avoid infections (NHS, 2019).

References