**7. Conclusion**

In this chapter we have summarized the research in the discovery of molecules, biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response and regulatory pathways implicated in apoptosis induction. These strategies are contributing to design cancer-targeted therapies that diminish or circumvent toxicity and improve life quality and overall survival of patients. The selective eradication of cancer cells can be achieve with small molecules and monoclonal antibodies, used as single agents or in combination with conventional chemotherapy, that interfere with the deregulated cellular signals that promote proliferation and survival to block tumor growth or sensitize cancer cells to apoptosis while leaving normal cells unaffected. Moreover, targeted therapies reactivating death program in CSCs may synergize with established therapies and increase efficacy in the clinic.
