Taylor et al (1999) demonstrated specific downregulation of Bcl-xL by AS oligonucleotides (ISIS 16009) in keratinocytes and epithelial cells and sensitisation to UV-B radiation- and cisplatin-induced apoptosis. However, the effect of Bcl-xL AS oligonucleotides on radiosensitivity of colon cancer has not yet been explored. This evidence concerns the gene BCL2L1 and malignant colon neoplasm.