Despite high frequency of TP53 gene mutations in ovarian carcinomas (Kupryjańczyk et al, 1993,2000; Casey et al, 1996; DiCioccio et al, 1998; Wen et al, 1999), studies on TP53 status and tumour response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy have not so far given equivocal results (Righetti et al, 1996; de Feudis et al, 1997; Baekelandt et al, 1999; Eisenhauer et al, 1999; Fallows et al, 2001; Reles et al, 2001). The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is ovarian carcinoma.