A biological exploration of where cancer begins, why it develops and spreads, and how it can be treated.

1. UNDERSTANDING
THE CELL BIOLOGY
OF CANCER
A biological exploration
of where cancer begins,
why it develops
and spreads,
and how it
can be trated.
Created by Cell Biolabs

2. Contents
Introduction
Cell Growth
Cell Division
Gene Mutation
Tumor Development
The Spread of Cancer
Cancer Treatments
Conclusion
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6

3. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells multiply out of
control and can take form in over 100 different varieties.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer in
humans dates back to ancient Egypt as early as 3000 B.C.
It’s shocking how long this devastating disease has been
around when we look at how much of it is still unknown
and undiscovered. Though we have made incredible
advances in recent decades, the American Cancer
Society has predicted that 1,658,370 new cases of cancer
will be diagnosed in 2015.
While we have yet to discover a quick and simple cure
for this devastating disease, cancer research today is
considered to be one of the most rapidly advancing
areas in modern medicine. Cancer is currently the second
leading cause of death in the U.S., but with the help of our
dedicated researchers and advanced technology, we are
hoping that will change.
The complexity of cancer may be unfathomable, but
because of its prevalence, it’s important to understand at
least the basics. Let’s take a look at the biological process
of cancer, which starts with a cell.
Introduction

4. What are humans but a bunch of cells? We all start out as one cell
that divides itself into two, and those two into two more, and so on
until they make up our tissues, organs, and ultimately, us! This process
of cell growth is essential for all living things as it determines our health
and survival. So, when errors occur in this highly complex cell growth
process, wouldn’t it make sense that those errors could have the
potential to put our health in danger? Let’s explore this idea a little
further, starting with what it is that has the potential to affect our cells so
profoundly that they could become cancerous.
Common causes of cancer:
Each of these factors plays a role in the health of our cells, which
becomes more of an issue when those unhealthy cells begin to divide.
Cell Growth
CHAPTER 1
Genetic -
Environmental -
Lifestyle -
Inherited and passed down through DNA
Toxins, sun and UV rays, and radiation
Diet, physical activity, and smoking

5. Our cells are dividing constantly. In fact, in a single human body, cell
division occurs about two trillion times a day! Our cells divide to replace
old, damaged, or dead cells to keep us healthy and help us grow. To
break it down, the parent cell splits into two daughter cells, and each
of those become a parent cell and then split into two more daughter
cells. This process is called the cell cycle.
Every step of the cell cycle is highly regulated, and while our bodies
are no stranger to this process, it is only natural for there to be some
mistakes. An error during this process could be a typo in instruction or
DNA which could lead to cell mutation.
Cell Division
CHAPTER 2
M-Phase
(the cell division process)
S-Phase
(DNA synthesis)
G-1 Phase
(production of RNA,
proteins, and enzymes)
G-2 Phase
(production of specialized proteins
and RNA in preparation for mitosis)
The Cell Cycle

6. Mutation is described as a DNA change within a cell. This change can
be troublesome because with different DNA, the cell will often ignore its
original function in the body.
Types of Mutation:
Dominant mutation: one damaged gene in the pair
Recessive mutation: both genes in the pair are damaged
These mutations are more common than you’d think, but our cells are
very smart and often shut themselves down at the first detection of a
mutation. However, cells are not perfect. Sometimes the mutation is not
caught in time and the cell goes through its natural division process.
Once divided, the mutated cell creates even more mutations which
can get out of hand and completely negate the strength of our cell’s
internal safety switch.
Gene Mutation
CHAPTER 3
As these mutated cells continue
dividing, they pass down incorrect
information to each new cell. Cell
growth then gets out of hand as
these mutated cells ignore the
properly regulated cell cycle, and
this uncontrollable growth is what
leads to tumors.

7. A tumor is defined as a clump of cells that should not be there. While
tumors are made up of these mutated and uncontrolled cells, they are
not necessarily cancerous. Depending on the size and location of the
tumor, an oncologist will run the appropriate tests to determine whether
a tumor is benign or malignant.
It could be weeks, months, or years before one finds out that they have
a tumor. They may find out when they go into the doctor because they
felt a lump in their breast or have been having difficulty going to the
restroom. Other times, they’ll have no idea. They may be going to see
the doctor simply for routine blood work and find that they have too
many white blood cells or liver enzymes. It doesn’t matter how one finds
out—the important thing is that it’s caught before it has time to spread.
Tumor Development
CHAPTER 4
Benign:
Malignant:
A tumor is not cancerous and does not invade
neighboring tissue or travel to other areas of the body
A tumor is cancerous and can invade nearby
tissue and travel to other areas of the body

8. Metastasis is the unfortunate event when a cancerous cell breaks free
from its original location and travels within the body until it attaches itself
to other tissues. This is how cancer spreads.
Types of Metastasis:
Once the mutated cells finish traveling, they get settled at their new
destination where they proliferate and potentially create a new tumor.
Cancer cell properties and immune system strength are understood to
be contributing factors to successful metastasis. However, researchers
are very intrigued by the spread of cancer and will continue conducting
experiments related to cell behaviors such as adhesion, migration,
invasion, and transformation.
The Spread of Cancer
CHAPTER 5
Hematogenous:
Lymphatic:
Transcoelomic:
The cell invades and travels through the blood vessels
The cell invades and travels through the lymph
node network and may empty into the blood
vessels (becoming hematogenous)
The cell penetrates the covering surfaces of
cavities (walls that segment the body cavity)

9. While we have yet to discover a definite cure for cancer,
there are some incredible treatments available to help restrain
the disease or even remove it. Treatments depend on many
factors, especially those related to where the cancer is located
and how far it has progressed.
Typical Treatments:
Cancer Treatments
CHAPTER 6
Surgery:
Radiation:
Chemotherapy:
If the cancer is slow growing and in one place
If the cancer is fast growing
and affecting nearby tissue
If the cancer has already spread or is
found everywhere in the body, like leukemia

10. While we have made huge advancements in our
understanding of cancer in recent years, there is still so
much we have yet to discover. Thankfully, the world’s
top scientists, researchers, organizations, companies,
and governments are committed to investigating
this nasty disease. Through increased awareness and
continued support we have the opportunity to battle
cancer together and ultimately do away with it.
Conclusion

11. For more information on cell research and life science
solutions, visit Cell Biolabs, Inc.|www.cellbiolabs.com
Resources:
http://www.cellbiolabs.com/news/understanding-cell-biology-
cancer-and-metastasis
http://training.seer.cancer.gov/disease/cancer/biology/ (cell
cycle overview)
http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih1/cancer/
guide/pdfs/NIH_cancer.pdf
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/
http://askabiologist.asu.edu/content/cells-divide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmFEoCFDi-w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcigJn8UJNQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOyKFgGKmHE
http://progressreport.cancer.gov/diagnosis/incidence
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documhfh;khents/
webcontent/002048-pdf.pdf