Oncology 101: The Fundamentals of Cancer • Topic 2 of 6
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Oncology 101: The Fundamentals of Cancer

A comprehensive overview of the basic principles of oncology, from the biology of cancer to treatment modalities.

Part 2: The Genetic Blueprint of Cancer

Understanding how genetic changes drive cancer development

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Topic 2 of 6

2.1 Core Genetic Concepts

Fundamental definitions in cancer genetics

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Gene

A region of DNA that encodes for a functional product

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Gene

How many genes do humans have approximately?

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➡️

Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein

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Central Dogma

What is the correct flow of genetic information?

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Mutation Types

Inherited (Germline) vs Acquired (Somatic)

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Mutation Types

Which type of mutation can be passed to offspring?

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🧠Memory Aids for 2.1 Core Genetic Concepts

Gene:

Gene = Guidebook for Every Needed Engine (protein)

Central Dogma:

Dad Reads Paper (DNA → RNA → Protein)

Mutation Types:

Inherited = In from birth, Acquired = After birth

2.2 Oncogenes & Tumor Suppressors

The two main classes of cancer genes

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Oncogenes (Gas Pedal)

Genes that promote cell division when mutated

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Oncogenes (Gas Pedal)

What happens when an oncogene is activated?

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Tumor Suppressors (Brakes)

Genes that prevent cell division when working normally

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Tumor Suppressors (Brakes)

What happens when tumor suppressor genes are inactivated?

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🧠Memory Aids for 2.2 Oncogenes & Tumor Suppressors

Oncogenes (Gas Pedal):

Oncogenes = Overactive Gas pedal

Tumor Suppressors (Brakes):

Tumor Suppressors = Traffic Stops (brakes)

2.3 The Two-Hit Hypothesis

How tumor suppressor genes contribute to cancer

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Sporadic Cancer

Born with two normal copies → Need two hits to get cancer

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Hereditary Cancer

Born with one damaged copy → Need only one more hit

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🧠Memory Aids for 2.3 The Two-Hit Hypothesis

Sporadic Cancer:

Sporadic = Start with Safe genes, need 2 hits

Hereditary Cancer:

Hereditary = Halfway there (1 hit down, 1 to go)

The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

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DNA

(Replication)

Genetic information stored in chromosomes

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RNA

(Transcription)

Messenger molecule that carries genetic code

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Protein

(Translation)

Functional molecules that carry out cellular processes

The Two-Hit Hypothesis Explained

Sporadic Cancer

Born with 2 normal copies
↓ Hit 1
1 copy damaged
↓ Hit 2
Cancer develops

Hereditary Cancer

Born with 1 damaged copy
↓ Hit 1
Cancer develops

⚠️ Higher risk - only need 1 more hit instead of 2!

✅Quick Review - Test Your Memory!

🧬 How many genes do humans have?

~25,000 genes

➡️ Central Dogma flow?

DNA → RNA → Protein

🚗 Oncogenes are like?

Gas pedal (promote division)

🛑 Tumor suppressors are like?

Brakes (prevent division)