1. Stages of Neoplastic Transformation

2. Activation
A healthy cell is exposed to a carcinogen

3. BAD Carcinogen: contributes to causing cancer; creates free radicals
Free radicals = charged compounds
If a compound located in a cell has a charge on it, it behaves differently
Cellular chaos ensues
If charges build up in the nucleus, it may cause a problem with mitosis

4. BAD
It would be better if the charge created enough of a problem that it killed the cell
Instead, it causes chemical chaos inside of the nucleus (in genes that control mitosis)
Creates mutated cells

5. Free Radicals

6. GOOD Anti-oxidants (released by peroxisomes—organelles)
Body’s defense:
Anti-oxidants (released by peroxisomes—organelles)
Over the counter anti-oxidants:
Vitamin E (shows no anti-cancer characteristics)
Beta carotene (form of vitamin A)
Flavonoids (found in red fruits)

8. Initiation
Abnormal division that produces abnormal cells

9. BAD
Carcinogen:
Oncogene: abnormal gene that controls mitosis

11. GOOD Tumor suppressor gene
Stops the oncogene through either promoting apoptosis or repressing the cell cycle and allowing DNA to repair

12. P53 gene: one of many tumor suppressor genes
In over 50% of lung cancer cases, patients have a defective p53 gene

14. Promotion Continuation of Initiation Leads to a neoplasm
Neoplasm: Abnormal mass of cells/tissue

15. BAD
Adult body produces approximately 6 or 7 neoplasms a day that your body fights off

16. GOOD Immune response Killer T-lymphocytes
We make lots (4 billion) of wbc every day (mostly at night)
They “recognize” the different markers on the cancer cells

17. Killer T Cells Attacking a Cancer Cell ©http://www. cancer-info

18. Problem?
Suppressed immune system

19. Cancer is usually not that fast growing
It mitosis at the rate of the normal tissue in which it is found
As neoplasm forms, angiogenesis occurs

20. Angiogenesis: growth of new blood vessels
In tumors, it is called TAF
Tumor angiogenesis factor