One such process is cap-dependent mRNA translation controlled by the eIF4F complex.4–6 Compared to normal cells, cancer cells are “addicted” to high levels of eIF4F activity,4–6 as demonstrated using eIF4E heterozygous mice, which were healthy yet resistant to Ras-driven tumorigenesis.17 Various malignant cells rely on cap-dependent translation of specific mRNAs encoding many oncogenes, cell cycle regulators and prosurvival factors4–6 including BCL2 family members (e.g. MCL-118). This evidence concerns the gene EIF4E and cancer.