UNDERSTANDINGTHE CELL BIOLOGYOF CANCER

A biological exploration of where cancer begins,

why it developsand spreads,

and how it can be trated.

Created by Cell Biolabs

Contents

Introduction

Cell Growth

Cell Division

Gene Mutation

Tumor Development

The Spread of Cancer

Cancer Treatments

Conclusion

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells multiply out of

control and can take form in over 100 different varieties.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer in

humans dates back to ancient Egypt as early as 3000 B.C.

It’s shocking how long this devastating disease has been

around when we look at how much of it is still unknown

and undiscovered. Though we have made incredible

advances in recent decades, the American Cancer

Society has predicted that 1,658,370 new cases of cancer

will be diagnosed in 2015.

While we have yet to discover a quick and simple cure

for this devastating disease, cancer research today is

considered to be one of the most rapidly advancing

areas in modern medicine. Cancer is currently the second

leading cause of death in the U.S., but with the help of our

dedicated researchers and advanced technology, we are

hoping that will change.

The complexity of cancer may be unfathomable, but

because of its prevalence, it’s important to understand at

least the basics. Let’s take a look at the biological process

of cancer, which starts with a cell.

Introduction

What are humans but a bunch of cells? We all start out as one cell

that divides itself into two, and those two into two more, and so on

until they make up our tissues, organs, and ultimately, us! This process

of cell growth is essential for all living things as it determines our health

and survival. So, when errors occur in this highly complex cell growth

process, wouldn’t it make sense that those errors could have the

potential to put our health in danger? Let’s explore this idea a little

further, starting with what it is that has the potential to affect our cells so

profoundly that they could become cancerous.

Common causes of cancer:

Each of these factors plays a role in the health of our cells, which

becomes more of an issue when those unhealthy cells begin to divide.

Cell GrowthCHAPTER 1

Genetic -

Environmental -

Lifestyle -

Inherited and passed down through DNA

Toxins, sun and UV rays, and radiation

Diet, physical activity, and smoking

Our cells are dividing constantly. In fact, in a single human body, cell

division occurs about two trillion times a day! Our cells divide to replace

old, damaged, or dead cells to keep us healthy and help us grow. To

break it down, the parent cell splits into two daughter cells, and each

of those become a parent cell and then split into two more daughter

cells. This process is called the cell cycle.

Every step of the cell cycle is highly regulated, and while our bodies

are no stranger to this process, it is only natural for there to be some

mistakes. An error during this process could be a typo in instruction or

DNA which could lead to cell mutation.

Cell DivisionCHAPTER 2

M-Phase(the cell division process)

S-Phase(DNA synthesis)

G-1 Phase(production of RNA, proteins, and enzymes)

G-2 Phase(production of specialized proteins and RNA in preparation for mitosis)

The Cell Cycle

Mutation is described as a DNA change within a cell. This change can

be troublesome because with different DNA, the cell will often ignore its

original function in the body.

Types of Mutation:Dominant mutation: one damaged gene in the pair

Recessive mutation: both genes in the pair are damaged

These mutations are more common than you’d think, but our cells are

very smart and often shut themselves down at the first detection of a

mutation. However, cells are not perfect. Sometimes the mutation is not

caught in time and the cell goes through its natural division process.

Once divided, the mutated cell creates even more mutations which

can get out of hand and completely negate the strength of our cell’s

internal safety switch.

Gene MutationCHAPTER 3

As these mutated cells continue

dividing, they pass down incorrect

information to each new cell. Cell

growth then gets out of hand as

these mutated cells ignore the

properly regulated cell cycle, and

this uncontrollable growth is what

leads to tumors.

A tumor is defined as a clump of cells that should not be there. While

tumors are made up of these mutated and uncontrolled cells, they are

not necessarily cancerous. Depending on the size and location of the

tumor, an oncologist will run the appropriate tests to determine whether

a tumor is benign or malignant.

It could be weeks, months, or years before one finds out that they have

a tumor. They may find out when they go into the doctor because they

felt a lump in their breast or have been having difficulty going to the

restroom. Other times, they’ll have no idea. They may be going to see

the doctor simply for routine blood work and find that they have too

many white blood cells or liver enzymes. It doesn’t matter how one finds

out—the important thing is that it’s caught before it has time to spread.

Tumor DevelopmentCHAPTER 4

Benign:

Malignant:

A tumor is not cancerous and does not invade

neighboring tissue or travel to other areas of the body

A tumor is cancerous and can invade nearby

tissue and travel to other areas of the body

Metastasis is the unfortunate event when a cancerous cell breaks free

from its original location and travels within the body until it attaches itself

to other tissues. This is how cancer spreads.

Types of Metastasis:

Once the mutated cells finish traveling, they get settled at their new

destination where they proliferate and potentially create a new tumor.

Cancer cell properties and immune system strength are understood to

be contributing factors to successful metastasis. However, researchers

are very intrigued by the spread of cancer and will continue conducting

experiments related to cell behaviors such as adhesion, migration,

invasion, and transformation.

The Spread of CancerCHAPTER 5

Hematogenous:

Lymphatic:

Transcoelomic:

The cell invades and travels through the blood vessels

The cell invades and travels through the lymph

node network and may empty into the blood

vessels (becoming hematogenous)

The cell penetrates the covering surfaces of

cavities (walls that segment the body cavity)

While we have yet to discover a definite cure for cancer,

there are some incredible treatments available to help restrain

the disease or even remove it. Treatments depend on many

factors, especially those related to where the cancer is located

and how far it has progressed.

Typical Treatments:

Cancer TreatmentsCHAPTER 6

Surgery:

Radiation:

Chemotherapy:

If the cancer is slow growing and in one place

If the cancer is fast growing

and affecting nearby tissue

If the cancer has already spread or is

found everywhere in the body, like leukemia

While we have made huge advancements in our

understanding of cancer in recent years, there is still so

much we have yet to discover. Thankfully, the world’s

top scientists, researchers, organizations, companies,

and governments are committed to investigating

this nasty disease. Through increased awareness and

continued support we have the opportunity to battle

cancer together and ultimately do away with it.

Conclusion

For more information on cell research and life science

solutions, visit Cell Biolabs, Inc.|www.cellbiolabs.com

Resources:http://www.cellbiolabs.com/news/understanding-cell-biology-

cancer-and-metastasis

http://training.seer.cancer.gov/disease/cancer/biology/ (cell

cycle overview)

http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih1/cancer/

guide/pdfs/NIH_cancer.pdf

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/

http://askabiologist.asu.edu/content/cells-divide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmFEoCFDi-w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcigJn8UJNQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOyKFgGKmHE

http://progressreport.cancer.gov/diagnosis/incidence

http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documhfh;khents/

webcontent/002048-pdf.pdf