NPM-ALK regulates a dynamic equilibrium to inactivate the p53 tumor suppressor pathway. NPM-ALK activates the JNK SAP kinase and PI 3-kinase/Akt pathways as previously reported.6,24 These pathways act to sequester and inactivate p53 via direct binding to JNK or MDM2 leading to degradation via the proteosome. JNK also targets MDM2 for degradation. PI 3-kinase activity leads to tethering of p53 protein to cytoskeletal structures in the cytoplasm, where it is primed for nuclear entry (represented by a curved dashed arrow).