The role of p53 in the response of tumor cells to sonodynamic therapy in vitro

► p53 was activated to promote SDT-induced apoptosis through extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways in the S180 and H-22 cells. ► Cellular responses of different cells to SDT were distinct, the aggressive S180 cells were much more sensitive than H-22, whereas EAC cells were relatively more resistant. ► The discrepancy among the cell lines may be due to different activation of p53 protein.