Presentation: A 68-year-old male, with no previous history of bowel cancer presents with symptoms of abdominal bloating, fatigue and weight loss.
Investigation: Colonoscopy, biopsy, MRI and genetic screening identify that the tumour has spread to other sites within the body (staging example provided in the figure below). Genetic testing reveals that there are mismatch repair deficiency mutations, however a RAS mutation was not found.
a) Discuss the range of possible treatment options. (10 marks)
b) Describe the role of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutation in the progression of colorectal cancer. (10 marks)
c) Define the impact gastrointestinal cancers have on society and explain factors associated with increased risk of developing these cancers. (10 marks)
Question 6
Patient A presents with the symptoms and test results shown in the medical records below
Look at their medical record and respond to the following:
a) Suggest which type of lung cancer is most likely and how you could confirm this histologically (5 marks)
b) What additional findings or symptoms might you expect to see in this patient that have not been reported in the patient medical records? (8 marks)
c) Contrast the findings and symptoms in Patient A to those found in another type of cancer of the lung (discuss different symptoms, imaging, patient background) (7 marks)
d) Describe a new treatment option for Patient A and explain its mechanism of action (10 marks)
