The p53 tumor suppressor gene is frequently mutated in most human malignanc
ies. These mutations have been associated with clinical outcome for various
cancer types. Since this gene's main function is to guard the integrity of
the genome, its clinical relevance, i.e. its role in carcinogenesis and ch
emotherapy-drug resistance, have been extensively studied. These data and t
he p53 protein as a potential target for new treatment strategies, are revi
ewed based on acquired knowledge of the structure-function of the p53 prote
in.