TP53 and cervical carcinoma: The development of cervical cancer is driven by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) (zur Hausen, 1976; Walboomers et al, 1999) through de-regulation of the crucial p53 and Rb tumour suppressor pathways by the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 (Dyson et al, 1989; Band et al, 1991).