Oncology
Basic principles behind oncogenesis
Haematological and non-haematological malignancies
Oncological emergencies
John McFarlane (He/Him), Doctorials 2021/2022
Learning Objectives
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Definitions
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Definitions
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Definitions
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
| Hypertrophy | Hyperplasia | Metaplasia | Dysplasia | Anaplasia | Neoplasia |
Definition | Increase in cell size without increase in cell number | Increase in cell number | Reversible replacement of one cell type with another | Altered cell maturation, orientation, and tissue architecture. | “To form backward”. A lack of cell differentiation. A hallmark of malignancy | “New growth”. Unregulated cell proliferation as a result of genetic changes |
Example | Skeletal or cardiac muscle cells in response to increased workload | Physiologic: Liver cells after resection Pathologic: Benign prostatic hyperplasia | Acid reflux – esophageal squamous epithelium to glandular columnar epithelium | Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia – a premalignant lesion of the cervix with various grades of epithelial dysplasia. | Colorectal cancer displaying a progressive dedifferentiation of colon epithelial cells | Adenocarcinoma of the lung involves uncontrolled growth as a result of oncogene KRAS expression and loss of TSG p53 |
Mechanism | Increase in protein production in response to mechanical stress and growth factors | Growth factors stimulate cell proliferation from existing mature cells or stem cells | External stimuli triggering altered gene expression, leading to differentiation of stem cells | Dysregulation of cell maturation and growth as a result of altered gene expression or mutations | A lack of differentiation of the cancer stem cells | We will discuss |
Cancer risk | - | + | ++ | +++ | ++++ | Cancer formed |
Definitions
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
| Benign | Malignant |
Nomenclature | Ends in “-oma” | Ends in –carcinoma (cells of endodermal or ectodermal origin) Ends in –sarcoma (cells of mesenchymal origin) |
Growth Rate | Slow | Fast |
Local Invasiveness | None. Grows as a cohesive mass covered in dense connective tissue | Yes. Destroys surrounding tissue and has no well-defined capsule |
Metastasis | No | Yes. Except for CNS and cutaneous basal cell carcinomas |
Differentiation | Well differentiated | Poorly differentiated - anaplastic |
Examples | Adenoma Osteoma Squamous cell papilloma | Adenocarcinoma: a glandular epithelial cancer Osteosarcoma: bone cancer Squamous cell carcinoma: skin cancer |
The Cell Cycle
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
G1 Phase - Presynthetic
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
RB Phosphorylation
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
CDK-Cyclin Complexes
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
TP-53
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
TP-53 Continued
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
TP-53 Continued
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Knudson Two-Hit Hypothesis
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Hallmarks Of Cancer
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Why Is Cancer So Hard To Beat?
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Common Carcinogens - Chemicals
Robbins Pathology, 9th Edition
Found in smoked foods
Stomach carcinoma
Nitrosamines
Occupational exposure in plumbing
Associated with angiosarcoma of liver
Vinyl Chloride
Exposure can lead to lung carcinoma or mesothelioma
Insulation in walls
Asbestos
Overuse assoc w/ squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx , upper esophagus and HCC
EtOH
Carcinoma of oropharynx, esophagus, lung, kidney, bladder, pancreas
Most common carcinogen world wide
Cigarette smoke
Derived from Aspergillus
Associated with HCC
Aflatoxin
Carcinogen: An agent that damages DNA and increases the risk for cancer formation
Common Carcinogens – Viruses and Radiation
Robbins Pathology, 9th Edition
Kaposi sarcoma
HHV-8
Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma
HTLV-1
Sq cell carcinoma of vulva, vagina, anus and cervix; adenocarcinoma of cervix
High risk HPV
Subtypes 16, 18, 31, 32
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Chinese/African male
Burkitt lymphoma, CNS lymphoma in AIDS
EBV
Hepatocellular carcinoma
HBV and HCV
Pyrimidine dimer formation in DNA
Basal cell carcinoma, sq cell carcinoma, melanoma
Non ionizing (UVB sunlight)
Generation of hydroxyl free radicals
AML, CML, Papillary carcinoma of thyroid
Ionizing
(Nuclear reactor accidents, radiotherapy)
5 Minute Break!
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Hematological Malignancies – Leukemia and MPD
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
Hematopoeitic CD34+ stem cell
Myeloid stem cell
Erythroblast
RBC
PV
Myeloblast
AML
Granulocytes : neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils
CML
Monoblast
Ac. Monoblastic leuk
Monocytes
Megakaryoblasts
Ac. Megakaryoblastic leukemia
Megakaryocytes (platelet)
Myelofibrosis, ET
Lymphoid stem cell
B lymphoblast
B-ALL
Naïve B cells
CLL, Hairy cell leukemia
Plasma cell
MM, WM,
T lymphoblast
T-ALL
Naïve T cells
CD8 T cells CD4 T cells
MF, ATLL
Acute myeloid leukemia
Myeloproliferative disorders
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Chronic lymphoblastic leukemia
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – tDt+
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
| B-ALL | T-ALL |
Epidemiology | Children, associated with Down syndrome (after age 5) B – Cell ALL – 80-85% of cases T – Cell ALL – 15-20% of cases | |
Other key info | t(12;21): good prognosis (more common in children) t(9;22): poor prognosis (more common in adults) | Present as Thymic masses in Teenagers (lymphoblastic lymphoma) |
Cell markers | CD10, 19 and CD20 | CD3, CD4, CD7 |
The most common childhood malignancy
How might a thymic mass present?
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
| Myeloblasts* | Monoblasts | Megakaryoblasts |
Epidemiology | Older adults (average 50-60 years old) | | Associated with Down syndrome (before age 5) |
Characteristics |
| Blasts infiltrate gums | |
Treatment |
| | |
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
| B cell origin | T cell origin | ||
Type | Chronic lymphocytic leukemia | Hairy Cell leukemia | Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) | Mycosis Fungoides |
Findings | Naïve B cells | Mature B cells | Mature CD 4+ | |
Cell markers/ histology/cause | CD5+ and CD20 + Smudge cells | TRAP +, hairy cells | Caused by HTLV-1 (Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus – 1) | Cerebriform nuclei (Sezary cells) |
Lymphadenopathy | Yes | No | Yes | |
Other unique features | Assoc. w/ complications: Hypogammaglobulinemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Richter transformation | Splenomegaly Dry tap on bone marrow aspiration | Common in Japanese and Caribbean, Rash, hepatosplenomegaly, lytic bone lesions, hypercalcemia Caused by HTLV | Skin involvement: rash, plaques, nodules), Pautrier abscesses |
Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD)
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
| Chronic Myeloid Leukemia | Polycythemia Vera | Essential Thrombocythemia | Myelofibrosis |
Dominant cell type | Granulocytes | RBCs | Platelets | Megakaryocytes |
Associated mutation | t(9;22) | JAK2 kinase mutation | ||
Clinical features | Splenomegaly ++ basophils (-) LAP | Hyperviscosity symptoms | ++ risk of bleeding (lack of function) and/or thrombosis (gain of function) | Splenomegaly (extramedullary hematopoeisis) Leukoerythroblastic smear ++ risk of infection |
Tx | imatinib | 1st line: phlebotomy 2nd line: hydroxyurea | | |
Complications | Transformation into AML (2/3) or ALL (1/3) | No treatment 🡪 death in 1 yr | | |
Lymphoma: Hodgkin vs Non-Hodgkin
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
Lymphoma
Hodgkin (40%)
Nodular sclerosis
Lymphocyte rich
Mixed cellularity
Lymphocyte sclerosis
Non Hodgkin (60%)
Follicular
Mantle cell
Marginal Zone
Burkitt Lymphoma
Diffuse Large B Cell lymphoma
B Symptoms
Localized, single group of nodes with contiguous spread
Better prognosis
Reed Sternberg Cells
Bimodal : young adulthood and >55YO
M>F except nodular sclerosing
B Symptoms
Multiple lymph nodes, extranodal involvement common, non contiguous spread
Worse prognosis
Majority involve B cells
May be associated with autoimmune disease and viral infections (HIV, EBV, HTLV), late adulthood
Hodgkin Lymphoma
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
Subtype | Notes |
Nodular sclerosis | Most common (70%) Lymph node divided by bands of fibrosis, RS cells in lacunar spaces, Young female, enlarging cervical or mediastinal lymph node |
Lymphocyte rich | Best prognosis |
Mixed cellularity | Eosinophilia (RS cells produce IL-5), seen in immunocompromised pt |
Lymphocyte depleted | Seen in immunocompromised (HIV, elderly), most aggressive, worst prognosis |
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma: Small B cell (CD20+)
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
Marginal zone
Mantle zone
Follicle
| Follicular | Mantle cell | Marginal Zone |
Epidemiology | Late adulthood | Late adulthood, M>>F | Chronic inflammatory states |
Etiology | t(14;18) Heavy chain Ig and BCL-2 | t(11;14) Cyclin D1 and heavy chain Ig | t(11;18) |
Location within follicle/ markers | Found in germinal center which is lacking tingible body macrophages | Expand in mantle zone CD5+ | Expands in marginal zone |
Presentation | Painless lymphadenopathy | Painless lymphadenopathy | |
Complications | Progression to large B cell lymphoma | | |
NHL: Intermediate and Large B cell (CD 20+)
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
| Burkitt Lymphoma | Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma |
Cell type & growth | Intermediate sized B cells | Large B cells growing in sheets |
Presentation | Extranodal mass in child or young adult
| Most common NHL Late adulthood, enlarging lymph node or extranodal mass |
Associations | EBV Translocation of c-myc: t(8;14) 🡪 overexpression 🡪 +++cell growth | May transform from follicular lymphoma |
Histology | “Starry sky”, sheets of lymphocytes, tingible body macrophages, high mitotic index | |
Plasma Cell Disorders: Monoclonal Plasma Cells
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
| Multiple myeloma | Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia |
Overproduce | IgG (55%), IgA (25%) or Light chains | IgM |
SPEP | M spike in gamma region | M spike in gamma region |
Presentation | CRABBI Calcium +++ Renal insufficiency (Bence Jones proteinuria), Rouleaux Anemia, amyloidosis Bone lytic lesions (esp. vertebrae and skull) Bone pain Infection | Generalized lymphadenopathy No lytic bone lesions Hyperviscosity
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Why is there an increased risk of infection if there are more antibodies around?
What’s The Neoplasm?
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Auer Rods
What’s The Neoplasm?
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Reed-Sternberg Cells
What’s The Neoplasm?
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Smudge Cells
Non-Haematological Malignancies: Colon Cancer
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Signs and Symptoms
Screen
Imaging and tumor markers
Risk factors
Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Loss of APC
KRAS Mutation
P53 Mutation
Polyposis Syndromes
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
First Aid 2021
Familial adenomatous polyposis
Autosomal dominant mutation of APC
Thousands of polyps arising after puberty
Pancolonic. Always involving the rectum
Prophylactic colectomy or 100% rate of CRC
Puetz-Jeghers Syndrome
Autosomal dominant
Numerous hamartomas throughout GI tract
Hyperpigmented macules on mouth, lips, hands, genitalia
Increased risk of breast and GI cancers
Gardner Syndrome
FAP + osseous and soft tissue tumours
Congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium
Impacted/supernumary teeth
Polyposis Syndromes Continued
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
First Aid 2021
Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome
Autosomal dominant syndrome in children typically <5
Numerous hamartomatous polyps in the colon, stomach, small bowel
Increased risk of CRC
Lynch Syndrome
Autosomal dominant mutation of mismatch repair genes with microsatillite instability
~80% progress to CRC
Proximal colon is always involved. Associated with endometrial, ovarian, and skin cancers
Turcot syndrome
FAP or Lynch Syndrome + malignant CNS tumour
Cervical Carcinoma
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Pathoma
Koilocytes
Cervical Carcinoma Continued
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Psammoma bodies
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Chemotherapy
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
First Aid 2021
Nucleotide synthesis | Decrease Thymidine synthesis | MTX, 5-FU |
Decrease de-novo purine synthesis | 6-MP | |
Inhibit ribonucleotide reductase | Hydroxyurea | |
Disrupt DNA stability | Cross link DNA | Alkylating agents , Platinum agents |
DNA breakage | Bleomycin | |
DNA intercalation | Dactinomycin, doxorubicin | |
Inhibit topoisomerase I | Irinotecan/topotecan | |
Inhibit topoisomerase II | Etoposide/teniposide |
Cellular division | Vinca alkaloids | Inhibit microtubule formation |
Paclitaxel | Inhibit microtubule disassembly |
Chemotherapy: Monoclonal Antibodies
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
First Aid 2020
CD20
Rituximab
Tyrosine kinase (bcr-abl and c-kit)
Imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib
Proteosome (induce arrest at G2-M)
Bortezomib, carfilzomib
VEGF
Bevacizumab
EGFR tyrosine kinase
Erlotinib
EGFR
Cetuximab, panitumumab
Her-2
Trastuzumab
Estrogen receptor
Tamoxifen, raloxifen
BRAF
Dabrafenib, vemurafenib
Oncological Emergencies
Presentation: Middle aged, male pt
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
TLS: triggered by massive tumor cell lysis
most often in lymphomas/leukemias
Release of K+ 🡪 muscle weakeness, arrhythmias
Release of PO43- 🡪 hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia 🡪 seizure, tetany, arrhythmias
Increased nucleic acid breakdown 🡪 hyperuricemia 🡪 acute kidney injury
Dx: Tumor lysis syndrome
Tx and Mx:
- Aggressive hydration, allopurinol, rasburicase
Oncological Emergencies
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Presentation: Middle aged F
Dx: Febrile Neutropenia
Dx : oral temperature >38 over 1 hr or any single episode of T >38.2 and absolute neutrophil count <1500 cells/uL
Experienced by up to 80% of pt undergoing chemo
Tx and Mx:
- Early IV broad spec Antibiotic therapy, do not wait for culture
Oncological Emergencies
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
Presentation: Middle aged, male pt
Dx: Spinal cord compression
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022
You Did It!
References
J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022