Accordingly, the major findings of the present investigation in WithaD-induced cell death include (a) involvement of mitochondrial pathway, (b) p53 as critical mediator, (c) role of Bak and Bax in p53-null and wt cells and (d) demonstration of in vitro and in vivo growth-inhibitiory activity of WithaD fulfilling the criteria of a potent multi-faceted anti-cancer agent. The gene discussed is BAK1; the disease is cancer.