The RB and p53 tumour suppressor genes encode nuclear proteins that exert an inhibitive effect on cell growth. A large variety of human tumour types manifest loss or mutation of the RB or p53 genes, and p53 mutation is the commonest genetic alteration found in tumour cells. In addition, the RB and p53 proteins may be inactivated by complex formation with viral oncoproteins--for instance, in the case of cervical carcinoma carrying human papilloma virus. In vivo introduction of an intact RB or p53 gene into malignant cells lacking the respective gene results in suppression of the neoplastic phenotype and thus of tumourigenicity, p53 being the more potent of the two in this respect. Further elucidation of tumour suppressor genes may well result in future improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.