Molecular Markers & Tumor Biology

p53. p53 is the most frequently mutated tumour suppressor.

Cell proliferation. Ki-67 indicates proliferating cells.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma/Burkitt lymphoma. EBV is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt lymphoma.

⭐ High-Yield Facts for Exam

p53 — the most commonly mutated tumour-suppressor gene ("guardian of the genome").
Ki-67 — a proliferation marker (fraction of dividing cells).
EGFR — often overexpressed in OSCC; a therapeutic target.
bcl-2 — anti-apoptotic oncoprotein.
HPV 16/18 — oropharyngeal carcinoma (better prognosis subset).
EBV — nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt lymphoma.

Carcinogenesis involves activation of oncogenes and loss of tumour-suppressor function, with accumulated genetic damage.

p53 = most mutated suppressor; Ki-67 = proliferation; EGFR overexpressed in OSCC; HPV = oropharynx; EBV = nasopharynx/Burkitt.

Q1. The most commonly mutated tumour-suppressor gene is:

A. bcl-2

B. p53

C. EGFR

D. Ki-67

Show Answer

✅ Answer: B

p53 is the most frequently mutated tumour suppressor.

Q2. Ki-67 is a marker of:

A. Apoptosis

B. Cell proliferation

C. Angiogenesis

D. Necrosis

Show Answer

✅ Answer: B

Ki-67 indicates proliferating cells.

Q3. EBV is classically linked to:

A. Oral SCC

B. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma/Burkitt lymphoma

C. Pleomorphic adenoma

D. Ameloblastoma

Show Answer

✅ Answer: B

EBV is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt lymphoma.

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