The p53 protein is an important tumor suppressor that coordinates protective responses of the cell against environmental stresses that promote cancer formation. The status of p53 function has not been systematically studied in myeloma. Recently, a novel form of cancer treatment based on stimulating the p53 response has been developed. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the ability of p53 to exert its function. As this may represent a useful treatment in MM, we aim to characterize p53 function in myeloma and correlating the various functional states with response to this new treatment.