Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: denosumab in giant cell lesions: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: denosumab in giant cell lesions

Sample item

A 15-year-old has a large recurrent central giant cell lesion of the mandible where further surgery would be mutilating. Which systemic agent that neutralises RANK ligand has been used?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Denosumab

Central giant cell lesions have osteoclast-like cells driven by RANKL signalling. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody against RANKL and reduces such lesions. Other options include intralesional corticosteroids, calcitonin and interferon alfa, but these do not neutralise RANKL.

Option by option

  • A. Zoledronic acid

    Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclasts but does not bind RANKL.

  • B. Denosumab (correct)

    Correct. Denosumab binds RANKL and suppresses the osteoclast-like giant cells.

  • C. Interferon alfa

    Interferon alfa is anti-angiogenic and does not bind RANKL.

  • D. Teriparatide

    Teriparatide is a parathyroid hormone analogue that stimulates bone turnover.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Denosumab. Central giant cell lesions have osteoclast-like cells driven by RANKL signalling.

Why is "Zoledronic acid" not the answer?

Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclasts but does not bind RANKL.

Why is "Interferon alfa" not the answer?

Interferon alfa is anti-angiogenic and does not bind RANKL.

Why is "Teriparatide" not the answer?

Teriparatide is a parathyroid hormone analogue that stimulates bone turnover.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: denosumab in giant cell lesions in Dentistry. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody against RANKL and reduces such lesions. Other options include intralesional corticosteroids, calcitonin and interferon alfa, but these do not neutralise RANKL.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: denosumab in giant cell lesions?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.