Cell Signalling and Therapeutics Exam Essays: HER2–ERK Resistance & Glioblastoma Therapeutics (University of Sussex, Third Year)

This resource contains two complete, exam‑style essays written under timed conditions for the Cell Signalling & Therapeutics module (University of Sussex, Third Year). Essay 1 (HER2 breast cancer): Explains the HER2–Ras–Raf–MEK–ERK signalling cascade and how ERK activation in HER2‑positive breast cancer develops resistance to receptor‑targeted therapies. Discusses mechanisms such as receptor bypass, B‑Raf mutations, and PI3K/AKT activation. Evaluates therapeutic strategies including HER2 inhibitors, Raf/MEK inhibitors, ERK inhibitors, PROTACs, and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, with critical assessment of combination approaches and omics‑guided personalization. Essay 2 (Glioblastoma): Outlines current therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma, including surgery, radiotherapy, Temozolomide, and Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). Discusses limitations such as MGMT repair, BBB restriction, and tumor heterogeneity. Evaluates targeted therapies (EGFR, PDGFR, VEGF inhibitors) and highlights how omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, liquid biopsy) can enable future personalized and adaptive treatment strategies. What’s included: Paraphrased exam questions (safe for copyright); Mechanistic detail with signalling cascades, resistance pathways, and therapeutic mechanisms; Balanced discussion of clinical relevance and future strategies; Written under exam conditions, showing how to structure answers within time limits. Ideal for students preparing for cell signalling exams, essay practice, or revision of cancer signalling pathways and therapeutic approaches