VDAC1‐based peptides induced cell death in both p53‐positive and p53‐defective cancer cell lines (e.g., U‐87MG and MCF‐7 or MDA‐MB‐231 and HTB‐66), and sensitivity to the peptides was independent of tumor origin (adenocarcinoma or carcinoma). This evidence concerns the gene TP53 and cancer.