Mutations in the p53 tumour suppressor gene, which constitute the most common type of genetic alteration in several human cancers (Velculescu and El-Deiry, 1996), do not seem to be frequent in adrenocortical tumours (Ohgaki et al, 1993; Reincke et al, 1994; Reincke et al, 1996). The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is cancer.