Transpathology
Molecular Imaging-Based Pathology
1st Edition - June 25, 2024
Latest edition
Editor: Mei Tian
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,Chapter 1. From Molecular Imaging to Transpathology: General Principles
1. Which statement best describes the primary goal of transpathology as introduced in this
chapter?
A. To replace histopathology with radiology
B. To integrate molecular imaging with pathology for system-level disease understanding
C. To focus only on genetic mutations in cancer
D. To improve staining techniques in microscopy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transpathology emphasizes integrating molecular imaging and pathology to
understand disease processes across scales, not replacing one discipline with another.
2. A nurse reviewing a molecular imaging report should understand that molecular imaging
primarily differs from conventional imaging because it:
A. Shows only anatomical structures
B. Detects molecular and cellular processes in living tissue
C. Requires tissue biopsy for signal generation
D. Is limited to oncology applications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Molecular imaging visualizes biological processes at the molecular and
cellular levels in vivo, unlike conventional imaging which is mainly anatomical.
3. Which concept is central to the transition from traditional pathology to transpathology?
A. Increased use of light microscopy
B. Static tissue analysis only
C. Multiscale and dynamic disease assessment
D. Elimination of laboratory testing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Transpathology focuses on dynamic, multiscale analysis of disease rather than
static tissue snapshots.
4. Molecular probes used in imaging are best described as:
A. Passive contrast agents with no specificity
B. Agents that bind nonspecifically to tissues
C. Targeted agents that report specific biological events
D. Tools used only in vitro
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Molecular probes are designed to target specific molecules or pathways,
allowing visualization of biological events.
5. Which imaging modality is most commonly associated with molecular imaging
principles?
A. Plain radiography
B. Ultrasound without contrast
C. Positron emission tomography (PET)
D. Standard CT without tracers
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: PET is a key molecular imaging modality because it uses radiotracers to
visualize molecular processes.
6. In transpathology, biomarkers are important because they:
A. Replace clinical symptoms
B. Provide indirect evidence of disease mechanisms
C. Are only useful after disease resolution
D. Eliminate the need for imaging
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Biomarkers indicate underlying biological processes and help link imaging
findings with pathology.
7. Which example best illustrates a molecular imaging biomarker?
A. Tumor size on CT
B. Blood pressure measurement
C. Radiotracer uptake reflecting glucose metabolism
D. Gross organ appearance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Radiotracer uptake showing metabolic activity is a functional biomarker at the
molecular level.
8. A key limitation of traditional pathology that transpathology aims to address is:
A. Excessive automation
B. Lack of cellular detail
C. Inability to capture disease dynamics in vivo
D. Overreliance on imaging
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Traditional pathology is often static and ex vivo, whereas transpathology
incorporates dynamic in vivo data.
9. Systems biology contributes to transpathology by:
A. Focusing on single-gene effects only
B. Ignoring environmental influences
C. Integrating interactions across biological networks
D. Limiting analysis to organ level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Systems biology examines complex interactions across networks, aligning
with transpathology’s integrative approach.
10. Which professional role benefits most directly from understanding transpathology
principles?
A. Hospital janitorial staff
B. Clinicians interpreting imaging-pathology correlations
C. Medical equipment sales representatives only
D. Non-healthcare administrators
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clinicians need to interpret integrated imaging and pathology data for
diagnosis and treatment decisions.
11. A nurse caring for a patient undergoing molecular imaging should recognize that safety
considerations often involve:
A. Complete absence of radiation