Overall, results strongly demonstrate that, unlike irinotecan, the free SN-38, mPEO-b-PBCL/SN-38, and mPEO-b-PCCL/SN-38 micelles trigger the enzymatic caspase-3/7 activation pathway that promotes the cellular apoptosis in CRC cell lines. The gene discussed is CASP3; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.