We used the NSCLC cell line H460 as a representative cell line that has been well characterised and in which we found a defect in mitochondria-dependent caspase-9 activation upon treatment with DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agents that may provide an explanation for chemoresistance of NSCLC in the clinic (Ferreira et al, 2000). Here, CASP9 is linked to non-small cell lung carcinoma.