Mutant p53 proteins can significantly impact the efficacy of cancer therapies. For example, tumors harboring p53 mutations are often more resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as these treatments rely on intact p53 pathways to induce cell death. As a result, patients with p53-mutant cancers may have poorer prognoses and limited treatment options. Understanding the specific p53 mutation in a tumor can help tailor more effective treatment strategies, potentially involving targeted therapies that exploit the unique vulnerabilities of p53-mutant cells.
