In contrast to CDK11 down-regulation in melanoma or other cancer cells with pre-existing dependency on CDK11 expression, chronic and moderate reduction in CDK11 expression over time in pre-malignant cells could contribute to decreased cell death due to reduced levels of the CDK11 p46 and p60 cleavage products as well as dysregulation of normal transcriptional and cell cycle control programs, thus acting to promote malignant characteristics and survival of cells. The gene discussed is CDK11B; the disease is cancer.