In attempts to treat cervical cancer, the evidence demonstrated that artesunate successfully increases tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated cytotoxicity via pro-survival proteins including X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), survivin, and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL), and reduces the number of survival proteins in HeLa cells. The gene discussed is XIAP; the disease is cervical carcinoma.