1. Explain the concept of targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a kind of cancer treatment that’s focused on
genetic changes or mutations that turn healthy cells into cancer
cells. To use targeted therapy, healthcare providers test for the
genetic changes responsible for helping cancer cells grow and
survive. Then, they identify specific treatments to kill those cells or
keep them from growing. Targeted therapy helps healthcare
providers treat cancer cells without hurting healthy cells.
2. Will a patient with non-small cell lung cancer with a KRAS
mutation benefit from specific targeted therapy with a small
molecule inhibitor directed against the EGF receptor?
Targeted therapy with an EGFR receptor is not effective for patients
with non-small cell lung cancer who have a KRAS mutation because
KRAS and EGFR mutations activate the same cellular pathways, but
through different mechanisms. In KRAS-mutated tumors, the
signaling pathway is activated downstream of EGFR, meaning the
cancer cells can bypass the effects of EGFR inhibitors. As a result,
blocking EGFR does not stop the abnormal growth signals driven by
the KRAS mutation, making this therapy ineffective for these
patients.
The erlotinib and gefinitin inhibit the pathway and they can travel
through the membrane. They go through the membrane and bind to
the kinase domain and inhibit.
3. Describe the methodology of next generation sequencing
(NGS) and explain why mutation detection by NGS is more
sensitive than Sanger sequencing
NGS has a larger coverage than Sanger sequencing so you can
easily detect more mutations that Sanger Sequencing would miss.
Since the coverage is higher you know which is a mutation or a
wrong read. NGS can sequence DNA or RNA across a wild range of
genes simultaneously.
Sanger sequencing: nucleotides and terminating nucleotides are
incorporated into the synthesized DNA chain during sequence
response. As a result, DNA chains of different length are synthesized
in sequence response of a DNA region. The DNA chains of different
lengths are separated by electrophoresis and analyzed after
completion of the sequence reaction.The signal detected results in a
pattern of peaks
NGS: in which DNA fragments of different genes and gene regions
are generated at the same time. This technology is based on the
sequencing of synthesis principle. In the synthesized strands
nucleotides are incorporated during the sequencing reaction. Each
nucleotide that is incorporated gives a unique signal detected during
the synthesis reaction. Because the individually synthesized DNA
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller BCM01. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.55. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.