A novel function for the p53 gene related to resolution of deep venous thrombosis is disclosed herein. Lack of the p53 gene results in impaired thrombus resolution in a clinically relevant in vivo model of deep venous thrombus resolution. It is further shown that augmentation of p53 activity with quinacrine accelerates thrombus resolution in vivo, and that this beneficial effect is completely dependent on p53. p53-based therapy is therefore provided to accelerate thrombus resolution in patients, and to prevent or ameliorate the debilitating long-term complications of deep venous thrombosis such as post-thrombotic syndrome.
