TP53 and neoplasm: Differing responses to chemotherapy may be due to biological characteristics of the tumour such as p53 status, since p53-dependent apoptosis modulates the cytotoxic effects of antitumour agents such as 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (Chin et al, 1992; Lowe et al, 1993), commonly used as adjuvant therapy.