Devita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer

LWBK1006-05 LWW-Govindan-Review November 24, 2011 11:20

76 DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s CANCER: Principles and Practice of Oncology Review

Answer 5.12. The answer is E.

The analysis of phenotypic markers, such as proteins, requires a reliable

laboratory method of being quantitative (a wide range of measurable

concentration), sensitive (able to detect a small amount of the analyte),

specific (able to detect only the molecule of interest, no other molecules),

reproducible (high precision and low variation), and versatile (easy to

use). In addition, appropriate quality assurance procedures during sample

processing and testing, as well as control samples in specimen analysis,

will be required.

Answer 5.13. The answer is B.

A larger sample size leads to less variability in the data, a tighter confi-

dence interval, and a higher possibility in finding a statistically significant

relationship.

Answer 5.14. The answer is E.

The number of lung cancers cases in economically developing countries

now exceeds the number in developed countries, but the proportion of

all cancer deaths attributable to lung cancer is higher (22%) in developed

countries than in developing countries (15%). The percentage of lung can-

cer cases caused by smoking among men in Europe and North American

is higher (90% to 95%), where cigarette smoking has been entrenched for

decades. Environmental factors such as exposure to coal smoke, indoor

emissions from burning other fuels, exposure to fumes from frying foods

at high temperatures, and secondhand smoke are all thought to contribute

to the high rate of lung cancer among Chinese women.

Answer 5.15. The answer is A.

Three large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified SNPs in

the CHRNA3 and CHRNA5 genes to be associated with increased risk

for lung cancer. These genes encode for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

subunits. Findings from two of the three GWAS studies suggest that these

SNPs may increase the individual’s predisposition to smoke tobacco and

thereby increasing their risk for developing lung cancer.

Answer 5.16. The answer is D.

ABO blood group has been long known to be associated with increased

risk for developing pancreatic cancer. GWAS studies have now identified

specific SNPs in the ABO gene to be associated with increased risk for

pancreatic cancer.