The invention relates to methods for producing an antibody which is specific for a mutant p53 polypeptide over wildtype p53 polypeptide, comprising using the mutant p53 polypeptide as an immunogen wherein the polypeptide comprises: (i) an antigen sequence, comprising an amino acid sequence of the mutant p53 polypeptide including the mutation and at least one amino acid immediately adjacent to the mutation, and (ii) a scaffold sequence for providing the antigen sequence in a solvent-accessible configuration, in particular wherein the scaffold sequence is thioredoxin. In the specific embodiments, antibodies against mutant p53 comprising R175H, R248Q or R273H are generated. Also disclosed are the uses of the antibodies for diagnosis, prognosis and stratification of patient groups and further encompasses the use of antibodies for imaging and treatment of cancer.