Assessing TP53 status in human tumours to evaluate clinical outcome

Abstract
TP53 is probably the most extensively studied tumour-suppressor gene, and patients with TP53 mutations are known to have a poor outcome. However, inconsistencies in the analysis of TP53 status, and failure to realize that different mutations behave in different ways, prevent us from effectively applying our vast knowledge of this protein in clinical practice. What simple steps can be taken to ensure that patients benefit from our understanding of TP53?
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