Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Retinoblastoma. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 1: Researchers are investigating oncogenes, specifically the KRAS gene that is associated with colon, lung, and pancreatic cancer. They have established that the gain-of-function mutation in this gene increases the chance of cancer development. They are also working to advance the research further to study tumor suppressor genes. Which of the genes below is considered a tumor suppressor gene?
- A. Her2/neu
- B. BRAF
- C. BCL-2
- D. JAK2
- E. Rb (Correct Answer)
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Rb***
- The **retinoblastoma (Rb)** gene is a classic example of a **tumor suppressor gene**. Its protein product, Rb, plays a critical role in regulating the **cell cycle** by preventing uncontrolled cell division.
- When **Rb is mutated or inactivated**, cells can divide without proper checks, leading to tumor formation, particularly in cases like retinoblastoma.
*Her2/neu*
- **Her2/neu** (also known as ERBB2) is an **oncogene** that encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in cell growth and differentiation.
- Its overexpression or amplification is associated with certain cancers, notably **breast cancer**, but it is not a tumor suppressor.
*BRAF*
- **BRAF** is an **oncogene** that codes for a serine/threonine kinase involved in the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth.
- **Gain-of-function mutations** in BRAF are frequently found in melanoma, thyroid cancer, and colorectal cancer, promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation.
*BCL-2*
- **BCL-2** is an **anti-apoptotic gene**, meaning it prevents programmed cell death. While its overexpression can contribute to cancer by allowing abnormal cells to survive, it is not classified as a tumor suppressor gene.
- Instead, BCL-2 is considered an **oncogene** because mutations or overexpression promote cell survival and inhibit apoptosis.
*JAK2*
- **JAK2** (Janus Kinase 2) is a **proto-oncogene** encoding a tyrosine kinase involved in cytokine receptor signaling, which regulates hematopoiesis.
- **Gain-of-function mutations**, such as JAK2 V617F, are frequently found in **myeloproliferative neoplasms** (e.g., polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, myelofibrosis), leading to uncontrolled blood cell production.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 2: A 21-year-old female presents to the family physician with 3 weeks of headaches, sweating, and palpitations. Her BP was 160/125 mmHg, and a 24-hour urine test revealed elevated vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and normetanephrine. Past medical history is notable for bilateral retinal hemangioblastomas, and family history is significant for three generations (patient, mother, and maternal grandfather) with similar symptoms. Genetic analysis revealed a mutation of a gene on chromosome 3p. Which of the following is the patient at risk of developing?
- A. Osteosarcoma
- B. Breast cancer
- C. Retinoblastoma
- D. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (Correct Answer)
- E. Ovarian cancer
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Clear cell renal cell carcinoma***
- The patient's symptoms (headaches, sweating, palpitations, hypertension) along with elevated **VMA** and **normetanephrine** suggest a **pheochromocytoma**.
- The combination of **bilateral retinal hemangioblastomas**, a family history of similar symptoms across generations, and a **mutation on chromosome 3p** points to **Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease**. Individuals with VHL are at a high risk of developing **clear cell renal cell carcinoma**.
*Osteosarcoma*
- Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor, not typically associated with VHL disease.
- Its risk factors include genetic conditions like **Li-Fraumeni syndrome** and **hereditary retinoblastoma**, which do not match the clinical presentation.
*Breast cancer*
- Breast cancer is a common malignancy but is not directly linked to VHL disease.
- Genetic predispositions for breast cancer include mutations in **BRCA1** and **BRCA2** genes, which are different from the VHL gene.
*Retinoblastoma*
- Retinoblastoma is a childhood eye cancer caused by mutations in the **RB1 gene** on **chromosome 13q14**.
- While this patient has retinal hemangioblastomas, these are distinct from retinoblastoma and are characteristic of VHL disease.
*Ovarian cancer*
- Ovarian cancer is a gynecological malignancy, and its common genetic associations include **BRCA1** and **BRCA2** mutations.
- It is not a known component tumor type of VHL syndrome.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 3: A 1-year-old boy is brought to the physician for a well-child examination. He has no history of serious illness. His older sister had an eye disease that required removal of one eye at the age of 3 years. Examination shows inward deviation of the right eye. Indirect ophthalmoscopy shows a white reflex in the right eye and a red reflex in the left eye. The patient is at increased risk for which of the following conditions?
- A. Gastric cancer
- B. Neuroblastoma
- C. Wilms tumor
- D. Basal cell carcinoma
- E. Osteosarcoma (Correct Answer)
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Osteosarcoma***
- The presence of **retinoblastoma**, indicated by the **white reflex** (leukocoria) in the right eye and an older sibling with a history of enucleation for eye disease, suggests a heritable form of retinoblastoma.
- Patients with **heritable retinoblastoma** (especially those with germline mutations in the *RB1* tumor suppressor gene) are at significantly increased risk for developing other primary tumors, with **osteosarcoma** being the most common secondary malignancy.
*Gastric cancer*
- While gastric cancer is a serious malignancy, it is **not commonly associated** with germline *RB1* mutations or heritable retinoblastoma.
- There is no direct genetic link or epidemiological evidence supporting an increased risk of gastric cancer in retinoblastoma patients.
*Neuroblastoma*
- **Neuroblastoma** is a childhood cancer originating from neuroblasts, often presenting in the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system.
- It is **not typically linked** to retinoblastoma or *RB1* mutations; its genetic associations involve other genes such as MYCN amplification.
*Wilms tumor*
- **Wilms tumor**, a kidney cancer in children, is primarily associated with genetic conditions such as WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, intellectual disability) involving the WT1 gene.
- It does **not have a direct genetic association** with retinoblastoma or the RB1 gene.
*Basal cell carcinoma*
- **Basal cell carcinoma** is the most common type of skin cancer, primarily caused by UV radiation exposure.
- It is **not a secondary malignancy commonly seen** in patients with heritable retinoblastoma. Such patients are more prone to sarcomas and other solid tumors.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 4: An 8-year-old boy presents with recurrent infections including multiple episodes of pneumonia and diarrhea. He reports difficulty seeing in the dark. Physical examination reveals white patches on the sclera and conjunctival dryness. What is the most likely cause of these findings?
- A. Congenital rubella
- B. Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 1
- C. Deficiency of vitamin A (Correct Answer)
- D. Autoimmune neutropenia
- E. Vitamin B1 deficiency
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Deficiency of vitamin A***
- The combination of **recurrent infections** (pneumonia, diarrhea), **night blindness**, and **ocular signs** like white patches on the sclera (Bitot's spots due to keratinized epithelium) and conjunctival dryness (xerophthalmia) are classic manifestations of **vitamin A deficiency**.
- Vitamin A is crucial for **immune function**, **vision** (a component of rhodopsin), and the **maintenance of epithelial tissues**.
*Congenital rubella*
- This typically presents with a **triad of cataracts**, **heart defects** (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus), and **sensorineural hearing loss**, often detected earlier in infancy.
- It does not explain the recurrent infections, night blindness, or specific ocular epithelial changes described.
*Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 1*
- This is a **neurodegenerative disorder** primarily affecting coordination and balance, leading to progressive **ataxia**.
- It does not cause recurrent infections, night blindness, or xerophthalmia; its symptoms are distinct and neurological in nature.
*Autoimmune neutropenia*
- Primarily causes **recurrent bacterial infections** due to low neutrophil counts.
- It does not explain the night blindness, diarrhea, or the specific ocular findings of keratinization.
*Vitamin B1 deficiency*
- Also known as **thiamine deficiency**, it leads to **beriberi**, characterized by cardiac (wet beriberi) or neurological (dry beriberi) symptoms.
- Common symptoms include **peripheral neuropathy**, **heart failure**, and **Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome**, none of which are descriptive of this patient's presentation.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 5: A 66-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 1 hour after the abrupt onset of painless loss of vision in his left eye. Over the last several years, he has noticed increased blurring of vision; he says the blurring has made it difficult to read, but he can read better if he holds the book below or above eye level. He has smoked 1 pack of cigarettes daily for 40 years. Fundoscopic examination shows subretinal fluid and small hemorrhage with grayish-green discoloration in the macular area in the left eye, and multiple drusen in the right eye with retinal pigment epithelial changes. Which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacotherapy for this patient's eye condition?
- A. Ustekinumab
- B. Etanercept
- C. Cetuximab
- D. Ruxolitinib
- E. Ranibizumab (Correct Answer)
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Ranibizumab***
- The patient's presentation with **abrupt, painless vision loss**, **subretinal fluid**, hemorrhage, and grayish-green discoloration in the macula of the left eye, along with drusen and retinal pigment epithelial changes in the right, is highly suggestive of **wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)**.
- **Ranibizumab** is an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agent that inhibits neovascularization and leakage, making it the **approved first-line treatment for wet AMD**.
*Ustekinumab*
- This is a monoclonal antibody targeting **IL-12 and IL-23**, primarily used in the treatment of **psoriasis** and **psoriatic arthritis**, not wet AMD.
- It has no role in inhibiting VEGF pathways or treating retinal neovascularization.
*Etanercept*
- Etanercept is a **TNF-alpha inhibitor** used in conditions like **rheumatoid arthritis**, **psoriasis**, and **ankylosing spondylitis**.
- It does not target pathways involved in the pathogenesis of wet AMD.
*Cetuximab*
- Cetuximab is an **epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor** used in the treatment of certain **cancers**, such as colorectal and head and neck cancers.
- It is not indicated for ophthalmological conditions like wet AMD.
*Ruxolitinib*
- Ruxolitinib is a **JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitor** primarily used for **myelofibrosis** and **polycythemia vera**.
- Its mechanism of action is unrelated to the treatment of neovascular AMD.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 6: A 2-year-old boy from a rural community is brought to the pediatrician after his parents noticed a white reflection in both of his eyes in recent pictures. Physical examination reveals bilateral leukocoria, nystagmus, and inflammation. When asked about family history of malignancy, the father of the child reports losing a brother to an eye tumor when they were children. With this in mind, which of the following processes are affected in this patient?
- A. Base excision repair
- B. Regulation of the G1-S transition (Correct Answer)
- C. DNA mismatch repair
- D. Stem cell self-renewal
- E. Nucleotide excision repair
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Regulation of the G1-S transition***
- This patient's symptoms (bilateral **leukocoria**, **nystagmus**, family history of eye tumor) are characteristic of **retinoblastoma**, which is often caused by a mutation in the **RB1 gene**.
- The **RB1 gene** product (retinoblastoma protein) is a key **tumor suppressor** that regulates the G1-S cell cycle transition, and its dysfunction leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
*Base excision repair*
- This process is primarily involved in repairing damaged bases in DNA, often due to oxidation or alkylation.
- Defects in base excision repair are typically associated with conditions such as **MUTYH-associated polyposis**, not retinoblastoma.
*DNA mismatch repair*
- This system corrects errors that occur during DNA replication, such as incorrect base pairings or small insertions/deletions.
- Impairment of mismatch repair is a hallmark of **Lynch syndrome** (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer), which does not present with retinoblastoma.
*Stem cell self-renewal*
- While uncontrolled self-renewal can contribute to cancer, retinoblastoma is specifically linked to defects in the **RB1 gene**, which is a cell cycle regulator, not directly a primary regulator of stem cell self-renewal itself.
- Loss of G1-S checkpoint control is a more direct and proximal cause of the tumor formation in retinoblastoma.
*Nucleotide excision repair*
- This pathway is responsible for repairing bulkier DNA lesions, such as those caused by UV radiation.
- Deficiencies in nucleotide excision repair lead to diseases like **xeroderma pigmentosum**, characterized by extreme sensitivity to sunlight and increased skin cancer risk, which is unrelated to the presented case.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 7: A 4-year-old boy with Down syndrome presents with fatigue and recurrent infections. CBC shows WBC 150,000/μL with 90% myeloblasts, hemoglobin 6.5 g/dL, platelets 15,000/μL. Flow cytometry confirms acute myeloid leukemia with megakaryoblastic features (AMKL). The parents are concerned about treatment intensity given their child's baseline developmental delays and increased treatment-related toxicity risk in Down syndrome. Evaluate the treatment approach considering the unique biology and competing risks.
- A. Modified chemotherapy protocol with dose reductions of cytarabine but standard anthracyclines, given Down syndrome-associated AML excellent prognosis (Correct Answer)
- B. Bone marrow transplantation as first-line therapy
- C. Palliative care approach given poor baseline function and high treatment toxicity
- D. Reduced-intensity chemotherapy due to Down syndrome and baseline developmental concerns
- E. Standard AML chemotherapy protocol without modification
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Modified chemotherapy protocol with dose reductions of cytarabine but standard anthracyclines, given Down syndrome-associated AML excellent prognosis***
- Children with **Down syndrome-associated AML (DS-AML)**, specifically the **megakaryoblastic (AMKL)** subtype, exhibit hyper-sensitivity to **cytarabine** due to lower levels of the enzyme cytidine deaminase.
- While they have an **excellent prognosis** (cure rates >80%), they face a high risk of **treatment-related toxicity**, necessitating dose modifications to improve safety without sacrificing efficacy.
*Bone marrow transplantation as first-line therapy*
- **Hematopoietic stem cell transplant** is not indicated as first-line therapy because DS-AML responds exceptionally well to **chemotherapy** alone.
- Transplant carries a high risk of **morbidity and mortality**, which is unnecessary given the high survival rates with modified chemo regimens.
*Palliative care approach given poor baseline function and high treatment toxicity*
- Palliative care is inappropriate as the primary strategy because DS-AML is a **highly curable** malignancy in pediatric patients.
- Developmental delays and baseline status do not preclude aggressive **curative intent** therapy, as long as protocols are adjusted for toxicity.
*Reduced-intensity chemotherapy due to Down syndrome and baseline developmental concerns*
- While toxicity is a concern, broad "reduced-intensity" therapy may lead to **under-treatment** and increased risk of **relapse**.
- Specific modifications, rather than blanket reductions, are required to maintain the **high cure rate** associated with the **GATA1 mutation** characteristic of this disease.
*Standard AML chemotherapy protocol without modification*
- Using standard AML protocols in children with Down syndrome leads to **excessive toxicity**, particularly severe **mucositis** and life-threatening infections.
- The unique **pharmacogenomics** of Down syndrome patients requires dedicated protocols like the **Children's Oncology Group (COG) AAML0431** to manage treatment risks.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 8: A 15-year-old boy presents with right distal femur pain and a palpable mass. X-ray shows a mixed lytic-sclerotic lesion with periosteal elevation creating a Codman triangle and sunburst pattern. Biopsy confirms osteosarcoma. Staging shows pulmonary micrometastases. Alkaline phosphatase is markedly elevated. The family requests consideration of alternative therapies and limb salvage options. Synthesize the treatment plan addressing oncologic outcomes and functional preservation.
- A. Limb salvage surgery without chemotherapy followed by observation
- B. Radiation therapy alone as primary treatment
- C. Palliative care focus given metastatic disease at presentation
- D. Immediate amputation without chemotherapy due to metastatic disease
- E. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor necrosis assessment, limb salvage with endoprosthesis, and adjuvant chemotherapy with potential pulmonary metastasectomy (Correct Answer)
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor necrosis assessment, limb salvage with endoprosthesis, and adjuvant chemotherapy with potential pulmonary metastasectomy***
- This comprehensive approach is the standard of care; **neoadjuvant chemotherapy** treats micrometastases and allows for **tumor necrosis assessment**, a critical prognostic factor (>90% necrosis).
- **Limb salvage** is oncologically equivalent to amputation when **wide margins** are achievable, and aggressive resection of **pulmonary metastases** can still lead to long-term survival in up to 40% of patients.
*Limb salvage surgery without chemotherapy followed by observation*
- Surgery alone is insufficient because **osteosarcoma** is considered a systemic disease at diagnosis, with **pulmonary micrometastases** present in nearly all patients.
- Omitting **adjuvant chemotherapy** results in high recurrence rates and significantly lower survival outcomes.
*Radiation therapy alone as primary treatment*
- Osteosarcoma is traditionally considered a **radioresistant** tumor, making radiation therapy ineffective as a primary or sole curative modality.
- Surgical resection with **clear margins** is mandatory for local control and achieving a cure.
*Palliative care focus given metastatic disease at presentation*
- Unlike many other adult cancers, **pediatric osteosarcoma** with limited metastatic disease (especially to the lungs) is potentially curable with aggressive therapy.
- A shift to purely **palliative care** would be premature and denies the patient a significant chance at long-term survival.
*Immediate amputation without chemotherapy due to metastatic disease*
- **Immediate amputation** does not address systemic micrometastases and provides no clinical benefit over **limb salvage** if negative margins can be obtained.
- Bypassing **neoadjuvant chemotherapy** loses the opportunity to assess **chemosensitivity**, which is vital for tailoring postoperative treatment.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 9: A 2-year-old girl presents with a large abdominal mass, aniridia, and developmental delay. Family history reveals a sibling who died of Wilms tumor at age 3. Genetic testing shows a germline WT1 mutation. Ultrasound reveals bilateral renal masses. The parents are concerned about treatment options that preserve renal function. Evaluate the optimal management strategy considering long-term outcomes.
- A. Chemotherapy followed by bilateral nephrectomy and immediate transplantation
- B. Bilateral renal biopsy followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and bilateral nephron-sparing surgery (Correct Answer)
- C. Close surveillance with delayed intervention until symptoms develop
- D. Immediate bilateral nephrectomy with dialysis and future transplantation
- E. Unilateral nephrectomy of the larger tumor followed by observation of contralateral kidney
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Bilateral renal biopsy followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and bilateral nephron-sparing surgery***
- The patient presents with **WAGR syndrome** (Wilms tumor, Aniridia, Genitourinary anomalies, and Range of developmental delays), which is associated with a high risk of **bilateral Wilms tumors** and subsequent chronic renal failure.
- **Neoadjuvant chemotherapy** is used to reduce tumor volume, facilitating **nephron-sparing surgery** (partial nephrectomy) to preserve as much renal parenchyma as possible and avoid the need for dialysis.
*Chemotherapy followed by bilateral nephrectomy and immediate transplantation*
- Complete **bilateral nephrectomy** results in permanent renal failure, requiring lifelong dialysis which is associated with high morbidity in very young children.
- **Kidney transplantation** is typically deferred for 1–2 years after completion of chemotherapy to ensure there is no tumor recurrence.
*Close surveillance with delayed intervention until symptoms develop*
- **Wilms tumors** are aggressive malignancies that require timely intervention to prevent local progression and **distant metastasis** (commonly to the lungs).
- Delaying treatment in a patient with a known **germline WT1 mutation** and visible masses is unethical and significantly worsens the oncologic prognosis.
*Immediate bilateral nephrectomy with dialysis and future transplantation*
- Proceeding directly to surgery without **neoadjuvant chemotherapy** misses the opportunity to shrink the tumors and increase the success rate of **nephron preservation**.
- Managing a 2-year-old on **long-term dialysis** is technically challenging and carries a significant risk of developmental delay and cardiovascular complications.
*Unilateral nephrectomy of the larger tumor followed by observation of contralateral kidney*
- Leaving a confirmed malignant tumor in the contralateral kidney without treatment allows for **metastatic spread** and continued tumor growth.
- The standard of care for bilateral disease involves treating both sides simultaneously or in a planned sequence to achieve **complete oncologic clearance**.
Retinoblastoma US Medical PG Question 10: A 6-year-old girl presents with acute onset left leg pain and refusal to bear weight. X-ray shows a lytic lesion with periosteal reaction in the femoral diaphysis demonstrating an 'onion-skin' pattern. MRI reveals a large soft tissue mass. Biopsy shows small round blue cells that are CD99 positive. Molecular studies show EWSR1-FLI1 fusion. Staging shows no metastases. Analyze the pathophysiology and treatment rationale.
- A. Osteosarcoma requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy and limb salvage surgery
- B. Ewing sarcoma requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy, local control with surgery or radiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy (Correct Answer)
- C. Neuroblastoma requiring MIBG therapy and immunotherapy
- D. Benign reactive process requiring symptomatic treatment only
- E. Osteomyelitis requiring prolonged antibiotics and possible debridement
Retinoblastoma Explanation: ***Ewing sarcoma requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy, local control with surgery or radiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy***
- The presence of **small round blue cells**, **CD99 positivity**, and the **EWSR1-FLI1 fusion** (t(11;22)) is pathognomonic for **Ewing Sarcoma**.
- Radiographic findings of an **'onion-skin' periosteal reaction** in the **diaphysis** of a long bone confirm the need for multimodal therapy including chemotherapy and local control.
*Osteosarcoma requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy and limb salvage surgery*
- **Osteosarcoma** typically presents with a **'sunburst' pattern** or **Codman triangle** on X-ray and occurs in the **metaphysis**, not the diaphysis.
- Histology would show **malignant osteoid** production rather than concentrated small round blue cells with CD99 expression.
*Neuroblastoma requiring MIBG therapy and immunotherapy*
- While **neuroblastoma** is a small round blue cell tumor, it usually presents as an **abdominal mass** and lacks the specific **EWSR1-FLI1** translocation.
- **MIBG therapy** is specific to sympathoadrenal tumors and is not the primary treatment for primary bone malignancies like Ewing sarcoma.
*Benign reactive process requiring symptomatic treatment only*
- The presence of a **large soft tissue mass**, **lytic bone destruction**, and specific **molecular fusions** definitively rule out a benign process.
- Reactive processes do not exhibit the **malignant cellular morphology** or the high-grade clinical progression described.
*Osteomyelitis requiring prolonged antibiotics and possible debridement*
- Although osteomyelitis can cause a periosteal reaction and pain, it would typically present with **fever**, elevated **inflammatory markers**, and lack a soft tissue mass with **atypical fusions**.
- Biopsy in osteomyelitis would reveal **neutrophils** and necrotic debris (sequestrum) rather than a uniform population of **CD99-positive blue cells**.
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