An oncology nurse is caring for a client with newly diagnosed B-cell lymphoma. Extensive blood work has been drawn and sent to the lab. Results reveal an elevated antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 level

Question

The client/family asks, "What does this mean?" The health care provider bases his or her response on the fact that:
A) The client's immune system is trying to kill the cancer cell by sending this protein to engulf it.
B) This is a good result. Normal cells undergo apoptosis if DNA is damaged in any way.
C) This means the cancer cells have found a way to survive and grow even with damaged DNA.
D) The client's body is trying to limit the blood supply to the cancer cells by producing high levels of this protein.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Alterations in apoptotic and antiapoptotic pathways have been found in many cancers. One example is the high levels of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 that occur secondary to a chromosomal translocation in certain B-cell lymphomas. The mitochondrial membrane is a key regulator of the balance between cell death and survival. Proteins in the BCL-2 family reside in the inner mitochondrial membrane and are either proapoptotic or antiapoptotic. Since apoptosis is considered a normal cellular response to DNA damage, loss of normal apoptotic pathways may contribute to cancer by enabling DNA-damaged cells to survive.