In previous studies, YM155 was shown to induce apoptosis in leukemia, prostate cancer and breast cancer.36 However, in merkel cell carcinoma, YM155 did not induce apoptosis but inhibited DNA synthesis.37 Survivin is predominantly expressed during G2/M phase of the cell cycle,38 and its inhibition is expected to cause a G2/M arrest. The gene discussed is BIRC5; the disease is leukemia.