Background: Thioureidobutyronitrile, kevetrin, has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in several wild type and mutant p53 human tumor xenografts without evidence of genotoxicity. In wild type p53 models, kevetrin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through activation and stabilization of wild type p53, resulting in increased expression of p53 target genes p21 and PUMA. Kevetrin also alters processivity of MDM2, and induces monoubiquitination of wild type p53, enhancing its stability (AACR 2011 abstract 4470). Mutant p53 is a complex target since it is an array of mutant proteins with oncogenic properties. Kevetrin induces degradation of oncogenic mutant p53 and induces apoptosis (AACR 2012 abstract 2874). Kevetrin therefore has the unique ability to target both wild type and mutant p53 tumors thereby controlling tumor growth in a wide range of preclinical tumor models. Methods: Adults with refractory locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors, acceptable liver and kidney function, and hematological status were eligible. Objectives include determination of DLT, MTD, recommended phase 2 dose, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and evaluating preliminary evidence of antitumor activity. Kevetrin is given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion once weekly for 3 weeks in 28-day cycles. The starting dose was 10 mg/m². In a 3+3 design, groups of 3-6 patients are evaluated for toxicity at each dose level. Dose escalation is based upon the number and intensity of adverse events in cycle 1. Kevetrin PK is characterized for the first and last doses given in cycle 1. Kevetrin induced expression of p21 in lymphocytes in preclinical studies; therefore p21 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be measured as a PD biomarker. Antitumor activity by RECIST 1.1 criteria and serum tumor markers will be assessed. The p53 status of tumors of selected patients will be determined. The second cohort is currently under evaluation. Conclusion: In preclinical models, Kevetrin has activity against tumors harboring both wild type and mutant p53 by diverse mechanisms. A first-in-human dose escalation trial is underway. Clinical trial information: NCT01664000.