Since a first study demonstrated the relevance of p53 immunohistochemical expression in lung cancer [4], several reports have been carried out on the clinical and prognostic significance of p53 alteration in this field, but the results are not always of univocal interpretation, with a few meta-analyses inclining towards abnormal p53 status being associated with poorer prognosis [5,6]. The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is lung carcinoma.