Cancer Science & Therapy

Bringing p53 into the Clinic

Abstract

Ern Yu Tan and Chit Fang Cheok

The use of p53 as a biological marker to predict chemotherapeutic outcome has been challenging, with clinical research showing positive as well as negative correlations with p53 mutations. Recent research reveals the complexity that underlies the use of p53 as a single predictive marker as well as the challenges associated with classifying p53 mutations. It is becoming clear that various p53 mutations are associated with differential treatment response and outcomes. In addition, different drug regimens could also play a role in modifying the effects of p53 mutations on therapeutic outcome. Finally, we discuss improvements in the diagnostic detection of p53 mutations and gene signatures that may better reflect p53 functionality in tumors, which may serve as a more reliable tool in correlating p53 mutations to clinical response.