AOCNP
EXAM REVIEW
500+ Review Qs & Terms
Board-Exam Preparation
Main Features:
• Focused AOCNP board-exam review
• Board-Prep Questions and Review Terms
• Extensive collection of Review questions and answers
• Helpful for identifying knowledge gaps
• Covers high-yield concepts
• Supports structured study and final revision
1
,1. What is carcinoma
cancer of the skin, tissue lining, or the covering of internal organs
2. what is sarcoma
cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or
supportive tissue
3. what is leukemia
cancer of the blood, that starts in the blood forming tissue of the bone marrow
4. what is lymphoma and myeloma
cancers that began in the cells of the immune system
5. what is central nervous system cancer
cancers found in the brain or spinal cord
6. characteristics of tumors
abnormal structure from the parent tissue (differentiation). not encapsulated,
irregular in shape, invade neighboring tissue, my great, and metastasize, and
angiogenesis
7. what is angiogenesis
when malignant cells are able to establish thorough blood supply
8. what is the nucleus
nucleus controls all activities of the cell
9. What is the mitochondria?
small bean shaped structures that supply energy for the cell by transforming sugar
and energy. Power plant
10. what is vesicles
vesicles transport molecules between different locations within the cell
2
,11. what are lysosomes
they are found in the cytoplasm and contain enzymes which help break down
various molecules such as carbs and lipids. They are like the garbage company that
breaks down older needed items
12. what is the cell membrane
thin flexible surrounding that covers the cell and controls what goes in and out of
the cell
13. what are Ribosomes
they are made of mainly RNA and helps construct proteins which are the building
blocks of cells. Makes building material
14. what is the endoplasmic retuiculum
network of passage ways that proteins from the rapid zones are transported
through. These are similar to the roads or streets allow people to travel around
within the city
15. what is the Golgi apparatus
this is responsible for transporting, modifying, and packing proteins and lipids. This
is similar to the post office.
16. each chromosome has how many base pairs
50-250 million
17. each nucleus has 23 paired chromosomes that carry how many genes?
Over 30,000 genes
18. what forms chromosomes
double helix coils around histones to form chromosomes
19. what are genes
segments of DNA that spell out specific directions, such as for making Ki enzymes
or proteins. They are copy many times a day, and with each copy there is a chance
of a transcription errors occurring where the wrong letter is used
20. all cancer results from what?
results from a process genetic variance or a change in the arrangement of the nuclei
0 bases
3
,21. what is the cell cycle?
is the reproductive cycle that results in the formation of two new daughter cells that
are exactly identical to each other in identical to the parent cell that has started the
cycle
22. what are the phases of the cell cycle
interface, which prepare cell for division G1, S, and G2 and the M phase, (Mitosis)
where division takes place
23. normal cells exist in what phase
the resting phase known as GO or gap 0 which means the cell is not actively
dividing
24. cell synthesis
with DNA replication, each of the 46 chromosomes 23 pairs, is replicated by this
25. tumor suppressor genes
cell cycle is carefully guarded through number of check points. The checkpoints
monitor for DNA integrity and progression of mitosis. If the DNA damaging detected,
protein called Cyclen can stop the cell cycle and induced programmed cell death
26. phase G2 is what
growth in preparation for mitoses
27. M phase or mitosis
cell division, the mitotic phase M includes mitosis and cytokinesis (Cell Spearation)
28. what are the phases of mitosis
profile, pro metaphase, metaphase, and anaphase, telephase
29. pro phase
The Chromatin fibers become tightly coiled into discrete chromosomes
30. pro metaphase
the nuclear envelope disintegrate and micro tubules enter the nucleus.
Chromosomes form two kinetochores the centromere and microtubules attached to
the chromosome
4
,31. metaphase
the two Centrosomes start pulling the chromosomes through their attached
centromeres toward the two ends of the cell. As a result, the chromosomes alone
32. Anaphase
chromatids separate two opposite pulls
33. telophase
a new nuclear envelope forms and chromosomes unpack back into the chromatin
34. What are cyclin and cyclin dependent kinases (CDK)
they are major control switches in the cell cycle causing them to move from G1 two
S or G2 to M
35. what is tumor protein p53?
protein that functions to block the cell cycle if the DNA is damaged. P 53 levels
increase in damage cells, allowing time to repair DNA by blocking cell cycle. If
damages severe P 53 can cause apoptosis
36. most frequent mutation associated with cancer
p53
37. what are oncogenes
are altered or damage genes which interfere with normal cell growth and
differentiation
38. Proto-oncogenes?
regulate normal cell growth and division by turning on the codes for the signaling
enzymes, receptors, and transcription factor
39. what are telomeres?
structures that reside at the end of the cell chromosomes, and regulate cell
generation. Telomere shortened with each application, until they are so truncated
that they are unstable and die A cancer cell does not die when it should and
continues to undergo cellular division
5
,40. what is signal transduction
when cells are needed, a growth factor binds to receptors on the outside of the cells
and since a message through the cytoplasm to the nucleus via signaling pathways
that are mediated by enzymes. The message causes transcription factors within the
nucleus to turn on the genes for cell growth and division.
41. What is a Telomerase?
an enzyme that can restore and maintain telomere length. This prevents the cell
from dying due to shortening of telomere. The gene for telomererase is normally not
expressed in mostly dull somatic cells ( all cells of the body with the exception of
the reproductive or germ cells.) altered Telomerase are considered oncogene
42. what are tumor suppressor genes?
Normal genes that suppress or down regulate cell growth
43. what happens during Carcinogenesis?
the gene damage that occurs causes the cells to grow uncontrollably by
continuously cycling through the cell cycle
44. Difference between cancer cells and normal cells
cancer cells re-enter the cell cycle as soon as they completed it. Spending almost no
time in the resting phase or G0
45. cancer cells do not submit to what?
Senescence or apoptosis. Continuous division of cells that take over healthy cells
46. functions of immune system?
defense against for organisms, destruction of damage cells, and surveillance
47. the immune system can be altered due to what?
The malignancy itself or its treatment, which impacts its response
48. what is immunity?
the ability of the body to respond to foreign substances, including both microbes
and noninfectious small cells
49. what is immune response
the immune responses the coordination of the cells and molecules in the foreign
substance to resist disease, and is the focus of immunotherapy in Oncology in other
diseases.
6
,50. Two major types of immune system
innate (natural) and adaptive (devloped)
51. what are antibodies?
Bind to antigens and marked cells for attack and destruction
52. what are B-cells?
release antibodies to defend against threats
53. What are CD8 +killer T-cells?
seek out and destroy cancer cells
54. what are Cytokines?
help immune cells communicate and coordinate the right respond
55. what are natural killer cells?
Identify and eliminate cells that failed to produce self-MHC class molceules
56. what are dendritic cells?
Dress foreign cells and present there proteins to immune cells for destruction
57. what are CD4 +helper T-cells?
send "signals" to other immune cells ( B-cells, CD8 +killer T-cells) to make them
more efficient
58. what are regulatory T-cells?
provide checks and balances to ensure the immune system does not over react
59. what are macrophages?
Engulf and destroy harmful cells and present antigens to other immune cells
60. Specifics Innate immunity
speed, nonspecific, limited duration, lacks immunologic memory, inflammation is 1
of the 1st responses, enhances adaptive immune response through presentation of
antigens
61. specifics on adaptive immunity
developed slowly provides a more specialized defense against infections, Humira
and cell mediated, Humoral :B-cells and antibodies. Cell mediated: T-cells
7
,62. External any immunity refers to
external barriers that form the 1st line of defense of epithelial barriers of the skin
and mucosal membranes and the products
63. internal any immunity includes
Phagocytic cells, NK cells and other immune cells that released inflammatory
mediated
64. macrophages and Dendritic cells act as what?
antigen presenting cells that serve to bridge the innate adaptive response (the
innate immune response is relatively nonspecific but it activates the more specific
adaptive response)
65. innate immunity is often viewed as what?
as more restricted than adaptive immunity but innate immunity subsequently
initiates adaptive immunity
66. Innate Immunity utilizes germline encoded receptors to do what?
respond to structures that are characteristic of various types of microbes and are
able to recognize pathogens resulting in activation of effector mechanisms.
67. response of innate immunity?
not able to adapt following pathogen invasion and essentially identical upon
repeated exposure to the pathogen
68. what does adaptive immunity require to initiation?
antigen presentation
69. adaptive immunity works through the coordination of what?
B lymphocytes (or B-cells) antibody response or humoral immunity) and T
lymphocytes (or T-cells) stimulation (cellular immunity) and memory functions
70. immuno editing is a term used to describe?
The evolution of a cancer through immune responses
71. what does immuno surveillance mean?
process by which the immune system surveys were looks for foreign pathogen
including cancer cells
8
,72. when the immune system finds and identifies a cancer cell and destroys it, its
called
elimination
73. what happens if a cancer cell is not eliminated?
It enters the equilibrium phase
74. what happens in the escape phase?
There is some disruption in the immune system equilibrium or suppression of the
immune response which allows cancer to grow and "escape" the immune system
75. what is carcinogenesis?
process where a normal cell turns into a cancer itself
76. what leads to the development of a malignant tumor?
6 or more variants within a single cell for carcinogenesis to lead to the development
of a malignant tumor
77. all cancers are genetic but they are not all?
hereditary
78. hereditary cancer syndromes are caused by?
Germline variants that are past to offspring and either an autosomal dominant or
autosomal recessive pattern
79. 2 Hit theory
variance missed be present in both copies of the gene. 1St the gene is hit with a
somatic variant or or germline variant. causing damage. And then being hit again,
destabilizing the cell and causing carcinogenesis
80. cancer stem cell therapy theory
in this theory many types of cancer cells exists to support a tumor, all have the
ability to multiply. however only one cell type, the cancer stem cell can create the
new tumor.
81. example of a suppressor gene?
Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor
9
, 82. What is non mutational epigenetic programming?
Aberrant physical properties of the tumor microenvironment that lead to changes in
gene expression, can contribute to the acquisition of Hallmark capabilities during
tumor development in malignant progression
83. example of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor
Palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib
84. Epigenetic programming clinical example?
Histone Deacetylase HDAC inhibitors
85. Histone Deacetylase HDAC inhibitors example?
Vorinostat, Romidepsin
86. inhibition of the immune system clinical example?
Immune activating anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1mAbs
87. Immune activating anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD- 1/PD-L1mAbs example?
Ipilumumab, ivolumab, pemrolizumab, atezolizumab
88. What is a clinical example of a pharmaceutical currently being studied that enables
replicative immortality
Telomerase Inhibitiors
89. tumors can promote inflammation. While the immune system is responding to kill
cancer cells this normal response me actually promote development of cancer. What
medication is selective anti-inflammatory drugs
celecoxib. Familial adenomatous polyposis
90. Polymorphic microbiomes
can have a profound impact on the development of cancers. Particular micro-
organisms may have either a protective or deleterious effect on cancer
development. newly identified
91. activating invasion and metastasis.
Tumors can shed cancer cells which are able to travel through the blood and lymphs
systems. This allows cancer to spread to other parts of the body which is called
metastasis. Clinical example. Inhibitors of HGF/c-Met. pharmaceutical includes
crizotinib and cabozatinib
10
EXAM REVIEW
500+ Review Qs & Terms
Board-Exam Preparation
Main Features:
• Focused AOCNP board-exam review
• Board-Prep Questions and Review Terms
• Extensive collection of Review questions and answers
• Helpful for identifying knowledge gaps
• Covers high-yield concepts
• Supports structured study and final revision
1
,1. What is carcinoma
cancer of the skin, tissue lining, or the covering of internal organs
2. what is sarcoma
cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or
supportive tissue
3. what is leukemia
cancer of the blood, that starts in the blood forming tissue of the bone marrow
4. what is lymphoma and myeloma
cancers that began in the cells of the immune system
5. what is central nervous system cancer
cancers found in the brain or spinal cord
6. characteristics of tumors
abnormal structure from the parent tissue (differentiation). not encapsulated,
irregular in shape, invade neighboring tissue, my great, and metastasize, and
angiogenesis
7. what is angiogenesis
when malignant cells are able to establish thorough blood supply
8. what is the nucleus
nucleus controls all activities of the cell
9. What is the mitochondria?
small bean shaped structures that supply energy for the cell by transforming sugar
and energy. Power plant
10. what is vesicles
vesicles transport molecules between different locations within the cell
2
,11. what are lysosomes
they are found in the cytoplasm and contain enzymes which help break down
various molecules such as carbs and lipids. They are like the garbage company that
breaks down older needed items
12. what is the cell membrane
thin flexible surrounding that covers the cell and controls what goes in and out of
the cell
13. what are Ribosomes
they are made of mainly RNA and helps construct proteins which are the building
blocks of cells. Makes building material
14. what is the endoplasmic retuiculum
network of passage ways that proteins from the rapid zones are transported
through. These are similar to the roads or streets allow people to travel around
within the city
15. what is the Golgi apparatus
this is responsible for transporting, modifying, and packing proteins and lipids. This
is similar to the post office.
16. each chromosome has how many base pairs
50-250 million
17. each nucleus has 23 paired chromosomes that carry how many genes?
Over 30,000 genes
18. what forms chromosomes
double helix coils around histones to form chromosomes
19. what are genes
segments of DNA that spell out specific directions, such as for making Ki enzymes
or proteins. They are copy many times a day, and with each copy there is a chance
of a transcription errors occurring where the wrong letter is used
20. all cancer results from what?
results from a process genetic variance or a change in the arrangement of the nuclei
0 bases
3
,21. what is the cell cycle?
is the reproductive cycle that results in the formation of two new daughter cells that
are exactly identical to each other in identical to the parent cell that has started the
cycle
22. what are the phases of the cell cycle
interface, which prepare cell for division G1, S, and G2 and the M phase, (Mitosis)
where division takes place
23. normal cells exist in what phase
the resting phase known as GO or gap 0 which means the cell is not actively
dividing
24. cell synthesis
with DNA replication, each of the 46 chromosomes 23 pairs, is replicated by this
25. tumor suppressor genes
cell cycle is carefully guarded through number of check points. The checkpoints
monitor for DNA integrity and progression of mitosis. If the DNA damaging detected,
protein called Cyclen can stop the cell cycle and induced programmed cell death
26. phase G2 is what
growth in preparation for mitoses
27. M phase or mitosis
cell division, the mitotic phase M includes mitosis and cytokinesis (Cell Spearation)
28. what are the phases of mitosis
profile, pro metaphase, metaphase, and anaphase, telephase
29. pro phase
The Chromatin fibers become tightly coiled into discrete chromosomes
30. pro metaphase
the nuclear envelope disintegrate and micro tubules enter the nucleus.
Chromosomes form two kinetochores the centromere and microtubules attached to
the chromosome
4
,31. metaphase
the two Centrosomes start pulling the chromosomes through their attached
centromeres toward the two ends of the cell. As a result, the chromosomes alone
32. Anaphase
chromatids separate two opposite pulls
33. telophase
a new nuclear envelope forms and chromosomes unpack back into the chromatin
34. What are cyclin and cyclin dependent kinases (CDK)
they are major control switches in the cell cycle causing them to move from G1 two
S or G2 to M
35. what is tumor protein p53?
protein that functions to block the cell cycle if the DNA is damaged. P 53 levels
increase in damage cells, allowing time to repair DNA by blocking cell cycle. If
damages severe P 53 can cause apoptosis
36. most frequent mutation associated with cancer
p53
37. what are oncogenes
are altered or damage genes which interfere with normal cell growth and
differentiation
38. Proto-oncogenes?
regulate normal cell growth and division by turning on the codes for the signaling
enzymes, receptors, and transcription factor
39. what are telomeres?
structures that reside at the end of the cell chromosomes, and regulate cell
generation. Telomere shortened with each application, until they are so truncated
that they are unstable and die A cancer cell does not die when it should and
continues to undergo cellular division
5
,40. what is signal transduction
when cells are needed, a growth factor binds to receptors on the outside of the cells
and since a message through the cytoplasm to the nucleus via signaling pathways
that are mediated by enzymes. The message causes transcription factors within the
nucleus to turn on the genes for cell growth and division.
41. What is a Telomerase?
an enzyme that can restore and maintain telomere length. This prevents the cell
from dying due to shortening of telomere. The gene for telomererase is normally not
expressed in mostly dull somatic cells ( all cells of the body with the exception of
the reproductive or germ cells.) altered Telomerase are considered oncogene
42. what are tumor suppressor genes?
Normal genes that suppress or down regulate cell growth
43. what happens during Carcinogenesis?
the gene damage that occurs causes the cells to grow uncontrollably by
continuously cycling through the cell cycle
44. Difference between cancer cells and normal cells
cancer cells re-enter the cell cycle as soon as they completed it. Spending almost no
time in the resting phase or G0
45. cancer cells do not submit to what?
Senescence or apoptosis. Continuous division of cells that take over healthy cells
46. functions of immune system?
defense against for organisms, destruction of damage cells, and surveillance
47. the immune system can be altered due to what?
The malignancy itself or its treatment, which impacts its response
48. what is immunity?
the ability of the body to respond to foreign substances, including both microbes
and noninfectious small cells
49. what is immune response
the immune responses the coordination of the cells and molecules in the foreign
substance to resist disease, and is the focus of immunotherapy in Oncology in other
diseases.
6
,50. Two major types of immune system
innate (natural) and adaptive (devloped)
51. what are antibodies?
Bind to antigens and marked cells for attack and destruction
52. what are B-cells?
release antibodies to defend against threats
53. What are CD8 +killer T-cells?
seek out and destroy cancer cells
54. what are Cytokines?
help immune cells communicate and coordinate the right respond
55. what are natural killer cells?
Identify and eliminate cells that failed to produce self-MHC class molceules
56. what are dendritic cells?
Dress foreign cells and present there proteins to immune cells for destruction
57. what are CD4 +helper T-cells?
send "signals" to other immune cells ( B-cells, CD8 +killer T-cells) to make them
more efficient
58. what are regulatory T-cells?
provide checks and balances to ensure the immune system does not over react
59. what are macrophages?
Engulf and destroy harmful cells and present antigens to other immune cells
60. Specifics Innate immunity
speed, nonspecific, limited duration, lacks immunologic memory, inflammation is 1
of the 1st responses, enhances adaptive immune response through presentation of
antigens
61. specifics on adaptive immunity
developed slowly provides a more specialized defense against infections, Humira
and cell mediated, Humoral :B-cells and antibodies. Cell mediated: T-cells
7
,62. External any immunity refers to
external barriers that form the 1st line of defense of epithelial barriers of the skin
and mucosal membranes and the products
63. internal any immunity includes
Phagocytic cells, NK cells and other immune cells that released inflammatory
mediated
64. macrophages and Dendritic cells act as what?
antigen presenting cells that serve to bridge the innate adaptive response (the
innate immune response is relatively nonspecific but it activates the more specific
adaptive response)
65. innate immunity is often viewed as what?
as more restricted than adaptive immunity but innate immunity subsequently
initiates adaptive immunity
66. Innate Immunity utilizes germline encoded receptors to do what?
respond to structures that are characteristic of various types of microbes and are
able to recognize pathogens resulting in activation of effector mechanisms.
67. response of innate immunity?
not able to adapt following pathogen invasion and essentially identical upon
repeated exposure to the pathogen
68. what does adaptive immunity require to initiation?
antigen presentation
69. adaptive immunity works through the coordination of what?
B lymphocytes (or B-cells) antibody response or humoral immunity) and T
lymphocytes (or T-cells) stimulation (cellular immunity) and memory functions
70. immuno editing is a term used to describe?
The evolution of a cancer through immune responses
71. what does immuno surveillance mean?
process by which the immune system surveys were looks for foreign pathogen
including cancer cells
8
,72. when the immune system finds and identifies a cancer cell and destroys it, its
called
elimination
73. what happens if a cancer cell is not eliminated?
It enters the equilibrium phase
74. what happens in the escape phase?
There is some disruption in the immune system equilibrium or suppression of the
immune response which allows cancer to grow and "escape" the immune system
75. what is carcinogenesis?
process where a normal cell turns into a cancer itself
76. what leads to the development of a malignant tumor?
6 or more variants within a single cell for carcinogenesis to lead to the development
of a malignant tumor
77. all cancers are genetic but they are not all?
hereditary
78. hereditary cancer syndromes are caused by?
Germline variants that are past to offspring and either an autosomal dominant or
autosomal recessive pattern
79. 2 Hit theory
variance missed be present in both copies of the gene. 1St the gene is hit with a
somatic variant or or germline variant. causing damage. And then being hit again,
destabilizing the cell and causing carcinogenesis
80. cancer stem cell therapy theory
in this theory many types of cancer cells exists to support a tumor, all have the
ability to multiply. however only one cell type, the cancer stem cell can create the
new tumor.
81. example of a suppressor gene?
Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor
9
, 82. What is non mutational epigenetic programming?
Aberrant physical properties of the tumor microenvironment that lead to changes in
gene expression, can contribute to the acquisition of Hallmark capabilities during
tumor development in malignant progression
83. example of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor
Palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib
84. Epigenetic programming clinical example?
Histone Deacetylase HDAC inhibitors
85. Histone Deacetylase HDAC inhibitors example?
Vorinostat, Romidepsin
86. inhibition of the immune system clinical example?
Immune activating anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1mAbs
87. Immune activating anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD- 1/PD-L1mAbs example?
Ipilumumab, ivolumab, pemrolizumab, atezolizumab
88. What is a clinical example of a pharmaceutical currently being studied that enables
replicative immortality
Telomerase Inhibitiors
89. tumors can promote inflammation. While the immune system is responding to kill
cancer cells this normal response me actually promote development of cancer. What
medication is selective anti-inflammatory drugs
celecoxib. Familial adenomatous polyposis
90. Polymorphic microbiomes
can have a profound impact on the development of cancers. Particular micro-
organisms may have either a protective or deleterious effect on cancer
development. newly identified
91. activating invasion and metastasis.
Tumors can shed cancer cells which are able to travel through the blood and lymphs
systems. This allows cancer to spread to other parts of the body which is called
metastasis. Clinical example. Inhibitors of HGF/c-Met. pharmaceutical includes
crizotinib and cabozatinib
10
