Curriculum
Module 10 · 60 min
Apoptosis & Cell Cycle Control
How cells decide to divide — or die — and the drugs that exploit those decisions.
CoreClinicalResearch
Topics
What this module covers
- 01Intrinsic vs extrinsic apoptosis
- 02BCL-2 family and MOMP
- 03Cyclin-CDK control of G1/S and G2/M
- 04p53, RB, and the restriction point
Learning objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to
- L01Distinguish intrinsic (mitochondrial) from extrinsic (death-receptor) apoptosis.
- L02Explain how venetoclax kills CLL cells.
- L03Describe the restriction point and how CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib) act.
Expected takeaways
What you should walk away believing
- →Loss of p53 is the most common cancer mutation.
- →BH3 mimetics restore apoptosis in BCL-2-dependent cancers.
- →CDK4/6 inhibitors transformed HR+ breast cancer outcomes.
Core summary
At the Core level
Cell number is the balance between division and death. Cancer happens when both decisions are corrupted — and modern oncology drugs intervene at both ends.
Evidence-graded claims
Claims, scored A–F
A
Venetoclax + azacitidine improves OS in unfit AML
VIALE-A trial.
F
All p53-mutant tumors respond equally to MDM2 inhibitors
Only p53-WT tumors do.
Quiz
Check your understanding
Q1. MOMP releases…
Flashcards
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Front
What does the restriction point gate?
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