Transcript Virus-Linked Cancers

3.2.4
Virology



You will understand that the causes of certain cancers
are linked to some viruses.
And you will understand the role that virologist play
in studying, preventing and treating these viruses.
You will be able to




Discuss cancers that are linked to viral infections.
Assume the role of a virologist working to develop a new
vaccine or drug.
Reflect if virology is a career area they would be interested in
pursuing.
You will show what you have learned


Answering Success Check today
Creating a mock interview with a virologist – Due Monday


Write as many specific examples as you can
of:
VIRUSES


that are linked with a specific type of
CANCER


Sue Smith just found out
that her cousin, Maria,
was diagnosed with
precancerous cells of her
cervix.
The precancerous cells
were detected in the
glandular tissue of her
cervix during a routine
Pap test, a screening test
used to detect cervical
cell changes.


Maria’s doctor ran tests and determined
that the abnormal cells were caused by a
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Maria had the precancerous cells
removed with cryosurgery, a procedure
that uses the extreme cold produced by
liquid nitrogen or argon gas to destroy
the abnormal tissue.

Maria is fine now and cancer-free, but has to
go in more often for routine pap tests over
the next few years to make sure that
cancerous cells do not form.



Cervical cancer strikes nearly a half a
million women each year worldwide.
HPV infections are the primary cause of
cervical cancer.
In lesson 3.1 you learned that cancer is
caused by genetic mutations, so how is it
that a virus, such as HPV, can cause cancer?

You learned in PBS that
viruses are non-living
particles which contain
DNA or RNA surrounded
by a protein capsid. They
attach themselves to a host
cell, insert their genetic
material into the cell, and
then completely take over
all of the cell processes.



When viruses insert their DNA or RNA into
the host cell, the host cell’s genes are
mutated.
These mutations can sometimes cause the
cell to become cancerous.
There are a variety of viruses known to be
associated with particular cancers,
including HPV, the Epstein Bar Virus, the
Hepatitis B Virus, and the Hepatitis C Virus.

Virologists, scientists who
study viruses, are constantly
looking to create new drugs
to cure these infections, as
well as develop vaccines to
prevent them from
developing. In this activity,
you will explore this career
field and create a mock
interview with a virologist
who is working on creating
a vaccine.

Create a concept map as we discuss


Human Papilloma Viruses
Epstein-Barr Virus
Hepatitis B and C


HPV is a sexually
transmitted
infection.
HPV causes
abnormal cells to
start growing
and eventually
can turn into
cancer cells.



HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.
HPV is linked to mouth and throat cancer.
There is a vaccine available that protects
against 4 types of the HPV virus.

EBV is a type of herpes virus known for causing
infectious mononucleosis (commonly known as
“mono”).


EBV infects and stays in B lymphocytes.
EBV infection increases a person’s risk of
developing nasopharyngeal cancer and Burkitt
lymphoma.



EBV is also linked to Hodgkin diseases and
stomach cancer.
http://video.about.com/lymphoma/HodgkinsLymphoma.htm
No vaccine or medications are available.


Both viruses are known to cause liver infection.
The long-term infection caused by these viruses
increases a person’s chance of developing liver
cancer.


There is a vaccine
available to prevent HBV
infection.
There are a few
medications available
that are effective in
treating HBV and HCV
infections.

Use reliable sources on the Internet to
research a career in virology.

Find out about
EDUCATION
 JOB DUTIES
 SALARY


Don’t forget to note your source – you must
cite them.
By the end, come up with an idea for your product





Create a mock interview with a virologist either working to develop a
new vaccine or drug for one of the viruses from the presentation.
You must ask at least five questions and provide complete answers as
if you were the person being interviewed. TO TURN IN, write the
question in one color pen and the answer in a different color.
Your interview should be factual, but it should also be creative.
Create a fictitious name for the product that you are developing, as
well as the company you are working for.
Your questions must address the following topics:




o The education or training necessary for this job
o A typical day in the life of this professional
o Your salary
o A description of the product you are developing and your hopes for
how it will prevent cancer

1. Discuss how one type of virus is linked to
a specific type of cancer.




PP- name the virus and type of cancer
P – discuss HOW it might cause the cancer
Adv – discuss how (or if) it can be prevented
and/or treated.
2. Would you be interested in a career in
VIROLOGY? Why or why not?

A person with the virus HOPPY is at increased risk of developing
cancer of the BOOBOO. Since the virus HOPPY invades FOOFOO
cells, it can cause a mutation of these cells which can eventually
cause cancer of the BOOBOO. Since the virus is transmitted by
person to person contact, an infected individual should limit
contact. There are currently no vaccinations for the HOPPY
virus, but a researcher at University of Colorado has had limited
success with a trial that is being run. Obviously, there is still
work to be done in preventing cancers caused by the HOPPY
virus, but hopefully, the future generations will not have to
worry about cancer of the BOOBOO!