A specific inhibitor for YY1 directed at anti-tumor CD8 T cells and directed against the tumor cells will result in significant anti-tumor effects, by restoring the anti-tumor response by the CD8 T cells on the one hand, and by inhibiting the proliferation, invasion, metastases, and resistance of tumor cells to cytotoxic therapies on the other hand. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is neoplasm.